The award for nation's top defensive back includes Marcus Maye on the watch list, but not Jalen Tabor.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Redshirt senior defensive back Marcus Maye was named to the 2016 Jim Thorpe Award 2016 watch list, as announced on Monday.
The Jim Thorpe Award is one of the most coveted awards in college football. The award was established in 1986 and is named after history’s greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled not only as a running back, passer, and kicker on the offensive side of the ball; but also stood out as a defensive back. In addition to his legendary performance on the football field, Thorpe played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon.
Maye garnered first-team All-America honors from USA Today and Pro Football Focus and honorable mention All-American honors from Sports Illustrated. In his 13 game appearances and 12 starts, Maye forced five fumbles, good for second-most in the country, and recovered two. His 82 tackles ranked fourth-most of the Gators.
In 2015, UF’s Vernon Hargreaves III was selected as a top three finalist for the award.
The Jim Thorpe Award watch list is chosen by a screening committee who compiles a list of 30-50 players. The list is not final, and players who have outstanding seasons are added as the season progresses. The Thorpe Award Winner is selected from three finalists and will be announced at The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, December 8, 2016 on ESPN.
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Redshirt senior defensive back Marcus Maye was named to the 2016 Jim Thorpe Award 2016 watch list, as announced on Monday.
The Jim Thorpe Award is one of the most coveted awards in college football. The award was established in 1986 and is named after history’s greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled not only as a running back, passer, and kicker on the offensive side of the ball; but also stood out as a defensive back. In addition to his legendary performance on the football field, Thorpe played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon.
Maye garnered first-team All-America honors from USA Today and Pro Football Focus and honorable mention All-American honors from Sports Illustrated. In his 13 game appearances and 12 starts, Maye forced five fumbles, good for second-most in the country, and recovered two. His 82 tackles ranked fourth-most of the Gators.
In 2015, UF’s Vernon Hargreaves III was selected as a top three finalist for the award.
The Jim Thorpe Award watch list is chosen by a screening committee who compiles a list of 30-50 players. The list is not final, and players who have outstanding seasons are added as the season progresses. The Thorpe Award Winner is selected from three finalists and will be announced at The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, December 8, 2016 on ESPN.
