CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia safety Jonas Sanker has been named to the 2024 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (OSHOF) and Jim Thorpe Association announced Wednesday (July 31). The award annually honors the top defensive back in NCAA Division I college football.
The preseason watch list is selected by a screening committee whose members compile a list of up to 50 players based on previous performance and preseason All-America lists. This year’s list consists of 42 players across nine conferences and one independent university. The preseason watch list is not final, and players who have outstanding seasons may be named semifinalists and finalists as the season progresses.
Yesterday (July 30), the Football Writers Association of America tabbed Sanker a Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List selection, which annually honors the nation’s top defensive player overall.
In 2023, Sanker was named a First Team All-ACC Selection by both the conference office and the Associated Press. He led the Cavaliers in total tackles (107), pass breakups (11) and forced fumbles (3). Sanker also led UVA in tackles in eight of its 12 games last season, including when he recorded a career-high12 tackles against James Madison and Boston College.
A screening committee consisting of OSHOF members monitors all defensive backs throughout the season, including watch list players and narrows the field to up to 15 semifinalists, which will be announced Tuesday, Oct. 29. The three finalists will be announced Tuesday, Nov. 26, and are submitted to a national panel of over 250 sports writers, sportscasters, former players and coaches who vote to determine the winner of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award.
On Thursday, Dec. 12, the winner will be announced on ESPN’s live presentation of The Home Depot College Football Awards. Other recognized NCFAA awards announced include the Bednarik Award, Maxwell Award, Mackey Award, Rimington Trophy, Lou Groza Award, Ray Guy Award, Bronko Nagurski Award, Outland Trophy, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award, Biletnikoff Award, Davey O’Brien Award, Doak Walker Award, Walter Camp Award and others.
The official presentation of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award takes place in Oklahoma City at the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet on Feb. 4, 2025. This year’s winner and all former winners are invited each year to celebrate. Over 600 supporters attend the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet each year, including…