Three Local Players Named To Jim Thorpe Award Watch List

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Three football players from Utah colleges have been named to the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Watch List.

Julian Blackmon and Jaylon Johnson, the dynamic secondary duo from the University of Utah, and DJ Williams of the Utah State Aggie’s defense claimed spots on the list.

The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is awarded to the best defensive back in college football.

The award takes into account not only athletic ability and performance but character.

👀 @NBAxJay1 & @JulianBlackmon are on the @jimthorpeaward watch list! pic.twitter.com/6nsARd1OTm

— Utah Football (@Utah_Football) July 22, 2019

The Utes

Blackmon is a senior at the University of Utah. He is a two-time All-Pac-12 Cornerback but will be moving to safety for his final season with the Utes in order to fill the void left by Marquise Blair.

Johnson, a junior, lead the Utah defense with four interceptions last season and tied for third in the Pac-12.

With a very good season, Johnson could become a first or second-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

MORE:

• Utah Football Position Preview: Cornerbacks
• Utah Football Position Preview: Safeties 
• Utes, Aggies Land Players On Top 100 List – BYU Left Out

The Aggie

Williams is going into his senior year with the Utah State Aggies. He received Honorable Mention All-Mountain West and was named the Most Valuable Defensive Player in the New Mexico Bowl in 2018.

He finished his junior season with 42 tackles, including one sack, while adding 11 pass breakups, four interceptions and one forced fumble.

No ✈️ Zone

Congrats to @GodsWarrior615 on being named to the 2019 Thorpe Award Watch List!

➡️ https://t.co/Tnf0VuLfNW#AggiesAllTheWay pic.twitter.com/eVfbgxKsT0

— USU Football (@USUFootball) July 22, 2019