Underdog Watch Lists: Jim Thorpe Award

As the national award watch lists are announced throughout July, we’ll let you know which Group of 5 players are preseason candidates for them. The watch lists will come out each weekday from July 10 until July 21.

Today’s watch list announcements come from the Jim Thorpe Award. The Thorpe Award is awarded to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character.

Jim Thorpe Award Watch List

Brandon Addison, Old Dominion

Joe Brown, Western Kentucky

Andre Chachere, San Jose State

Sean Chandler, Temple

Justin Clifton, Arkansas State

Amari Coleman, Central Michigan

Clifton Duck, Appalachian State

Shawun Lurry, Northern Illinois

Kishawn McClain, North Texas

Deatrick Nichols, USF

Parry Nickerson, Tulane

Jeremy Reaves, South Alabama

Andrew Wingard, Wyoming

Jalen Young, Florida Atlantic

Selections by conference:

AAC: 3

Conference USA: 4

Sun Belt: 3

Independents: 0

Not one Group of 5 team had more than one selection, but those who did make it will be players to avoid in the passing game. The AAC saw Temple, Tulane, and USF get one selection each. Conference USA had Old Dominion, Western Kentucky, North Texas, and Florida Atlantic each get one selection. Arkansas State, Appalachian State, and South Alabama followed the trend with one player each.

Total Watch List Selections Thus Far

AAC: 47

C-USA: 29

Sun Belt: 22

Independents: 6

Last G5 Winners

1995- Greg Myers, Colorado State