LAWRENCE, Kan. – The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (OSHOF) and Jim Thorpe Association released the prestigious Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List, which features Kansas senior cornerback Cobee Bryant for the second straight season.
This is the second preseason watch list for Bryant in the past two days, after he was recognized by the Bronko Nagurski Award on Wednesday. The watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award includes 42 of the nation's best defensive backs, representing nine conferences and one independent university.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is awarded to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The award was established in 1986 and is named after history's greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled 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. The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is universally accepted as one of the nation's top collegiate sports honors.
A two-time All-Big 12 First Team selection, Bryant is tied for eighth in school history with nine interceptions and he's tied for the school record with two career interceptions returned for a touchdown. The Evergreen, Alabama, native has been named a preseason All-Big 12 selection after finishing the 2023 season with 32 tackles, 4 interceptions and 9 pass breakups.
The preseason watch list is selected by a screening committee whose members compile a list of up to 50 players based on previous performance in NCAA Division I college football and preseason All-America lists. This list is not final, and players who have outstanding seasons may be added to the semifinalists and finalists lists as the season progresses.
Kansas will play all six home games in the Kansas City Metro area as work continues on the University of Kansas Gateway District, beginning on Thursday, August 29, against Lindenwood at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas.
2024 Kansas Football Preseason Watch Lists:
Maxwell Award – QB Jalon Daniels, RB Devin Neal
Patrick Mannelly Award – LS Luke Hosford
Bronko Nagurski Award – CB Cobee Bryant
Paycom Jim Thorpe Award – CB Cobee Bryant