AUSTIN, Texas — As he walked off the field after their loss in the Sugar Bowl last season, Jahdae Barron thought that might be the last college football game he played. He was coming off a season in which he was named 2nd team All Big 12, helped lead Texas to the college football playoff and had a good chance to be drafted. But Barron still had one year of eligibility left.

“That moment was a little bit weird for me. I was quite confused on what was next for me in the journey,” Barron said of that moment.

As with other players in his position, Barron got a draft grade from NFL scouts that projected where he might get picked and what he needed to improve on if he came back. Barron believed it was in his best interest to come back, improve and boost his draft stock.

“His decision to come back was one I wish all our guys would go through the same process he went through,” says UT head coach Steve Sarkisian. “If the things in there are tangible to improve that grade, man, it sure it worth your while. I think Jahdae has made himself a ton of money by coming back.”

Part of the decision to come back included Barron wanting to change positions. The past few years, he’d been playing safety and nickel back on the Texas defense. He knows he wanted to focus on being a cornerback.

“He had the plan. He knew the moment he thought about coming back he was coming back to play corner,” says Bernard ‘Bam’ Blake, Barron’s trainer. “He has every step calculated that he needs to make.”

The plan is paying off. Barron is having his best season as a Longhorn, tied for the lead in the SEC with 4 interceptions. Including a game against Georgia when he had two big picks.

“Even I be surprised when I make the play,” says Barron. “I think I’m playing some good ball but I always want to improve.”

According to his longtime trainer, there are a few reasons why Barron is excelling this season at cornerback.

“The biggest thing that makes Jahdae good at cornerback is his confidence,” says Blake. “Jahdae has a very high football IQ, when you mix that in a pot with some confidence, a movement ability with a guy of his size and stature, it has the makings to be an elite DB.”

The best DB in the country, Barron has said he believes he is and his teammates agree.

“I want this to blow up, Jahdae for Thorpe,” says Texas safety Andrew Mukuba. “He called it before everything happened. It’s good to see that for him and happy for him.”

“I think he deserves that award, I wish it was up to me,” says Michael Taaffe, Texas safety. “He’s worked his tail off. I’m so proud of Jahdae.”

The Thorpe Award goes to the best defensive back in college football and Barron is one of 15 semifinalists for it this year. Texas hasn’t had someone win that award since two Longhonrs, Michael Huff and Aaron Ross, won it back to back in 2005 and 2006. With all the success he’s having, Barron is trying to stay grounded.

“Right now I’m just training myself to keep pushing,” says Barron. “To be committed to the process and not just to the results.”

Barron is already creating draft buzz and has greatly improved his stock by coming back.

“You knew he would be some time of successful but the stage he’s on now, I think nobody but him saw that,” says Blake.

“For my best interest, yeah, it was good that I came back,” says Barron.