The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Boyd named to Jim Thorpe Award watch list
07.23.2018 | Football
Senior DB Kris Boyd on watch list for 2018 Jim Thorpe Award.
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Texas Football's Kris Boyd was named to the 2018 watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced on Monday. The award is presented to college football's top defensive back. Texas has a long history with the Thorpe Award, which was first presented in 1986. Michael Huff and Aaron Ross won it in back-to-back seasons (2005-06) and three others have been named finalists for the award (Quentin Jammer, Earl Thomas, DeShon Elliott).
Boyd, a native of Gilmer, Texas, played in all 13 games last season while making 12 starts. He was named second team All-Big 12 by the Associated Press. He finished fifth on the team with 57 tackles, while totaling two interceptions and 15 pass breakups, the most for a Longhorn since 2011. For his career, Boyd has played in 37 games and made 20 starts. He has totaled 121 tackles (89 solo) with three interceptions, 22 pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He has also earned preseason All-Big 12 recognition from the Big 12 media, Athlon Sports and Phil Steele.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. As such, it is considered one of the most coveted awards in college football. The award recipient is selected by the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award National Selection Committee, which boasts members of the NCFAA, an Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in-house award committee, former Paycom Jim Thorpe Award recipients, and sportswriters and college football journalists throughout the country.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award was established in 1986 and is named after the greatest all-around athlete in history, Jim Thorpe. As a native Oklahoman, 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.
The 2018 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award winner is selected from three finalists and will be announced at The Home Depot College Football Awards Presented by Gildan on Thursday, December 6, 2018, on ESPN. The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award commemorative banquet will be held on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, in Oklahoma City.
