Given annually to college football's top defensive back, the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is one of the Association's most coveted honors. Established in 1986, the award recognizes performance on the field, athletic ability and character, in accordance with its namesake.

MT's Reed Blankenship is on the list

Blankenship named to Jim Thorpe Award Watch List

Below is Blankenship's first interception as a freshman in Middle Tennessee's win at Syracuse






ODU fans might remember this play:

Once again the deck is stacked against the Group of 5 teams. Last and only non-Power 5 winner of this award was Greg Myers with Colorado State in 1995. Best of luck to Reed.

Also nominated:

Kaleb Ford-Dement, Old Dominion (Jr)
Brontae Harris, UAB (Sr)