Jim Thorpe Award 2022 Preseason Watchlist
July 25, 2022 by Staff
The prestigious Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is given annually to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. This preseason watch list includes 35 of the nation’s best defensive backs, representing 10 conferences and one independent. The winner will be announced on ESPN’s live presentation of The Home Depot College Football Awards.
The official presentation of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award takes place in Oklahoma City, following The Home Depot College Football Awards. The current winner and all former winners are invited each year to celebrate. Over 500 supporters attend the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet each year, including many celebrities and dignitaries.
2022 PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Jordan Anderson, Bowling Green, Sr.
- Jordan Battle, Alabama, Sr.
- Cole Bishop, Utah, So.
- Kyu Blu Kelly, Stanford, Sr.
- Julius Brents, Kansas State, Sr.
- Davonte Brown, UCF, Jr.
- CJ Brown, Northern Illinois, So.
- Ji’Ayir Brown, Penn State, Sr.
- Denzel Burke, Ohio State, So.
- Jalen Catalon, Arkansas, Jr.
- Kei’Trel Clark, Louisville, Jr.
- Xavier Henderson, Michigan State, Sr.
- Ronnie Hickman, Ohio State, Sr.
- Brandon Hill, Pittsburgh, Jr.
- Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, TCU, Sr.
- Dorian Jackson, Western Michigan, Sr.
- Quindell Johnson, Memphis, Sr.
- Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M, Jr.
- Steven Jones, Jr., Appalachian State, Sr.
- Brandon Joseph, Notre Dame, Jr.
- Antavious Lane, Georgia State, Jr.
- Kenny Logan, Jr., Kansas, Jr.
- Darrell Luter, Jr., South Alabama, Sr.
- Riley Moss, Iowa, Sr.
- Andrew Mukuba, Clemson, So.
- Gervarrius Owens, Houston, Sr.
- Clark Phillips III, Utah, So.
- Joey Porter, Jr., Penn State, Jr.
- Kelee Ringo, Georgia, So.
- Jammie Robinson, Florida State, Jr.
- JL Skinner, Boise State, Sr.
- Cam Smith, South Carolina, Jr.
- Christopher Smith, Georgia, Sr.
- Evan Williams, Fresno State, Sr.
- Rashad Wisdom, UTSA
The members of the NCFAA are unveiling preseason watch lists over a two-week period. Sixteen of the association’s 25 awards are presenting their preseason watch list during this time as the NCFAA has spearheaded a coordinated effort to promote each award’s preseason candidates. Following is the remaining 2022 preseason watch list calendar:</
- Tues., July 26: Outland Trophy/Bronko Nagurski Trophy
- Wed., July 27: Lou Groza Award/Ray Guy Award
- Thurs., July 28: Hornung Award/Wuerffel Trophy
- Fri,, July 29: Walter Camp Award
- Mon., Aug. 1: Bednarik Award
