By Bret Strelow. BOONE, N.C. — App State cornerback Ethan Johnson and safety Jordan Favors have been named to the watch list for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award that goes to the nation’s best defensive back.
It’s the seventh time in the last eight years that at least one App State defensive back has made the Thorpe Award Watch List. This summer’s list from The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Jim Thorpe Association includes 42 of the nation’s best secondary players, including four defensive backs from the Sun Belt.
Johnson had 11 pass breakups to go with 56 tackles in 2023, while Favors tied for the Sun Belt lead with four interceptions. He also had 37 tackles, eight pass breakups, 2.5 tackles for loss, one blocked kick and one forced fumble.
2024 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List
Dontae Balfour, Charlotte, Jr.
Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma, Sr.
Shyheim Brown, Florida State, Jr.
Cobee Bryant, Kansas, Sr.
Denzel Burke, Ohio State, Sr.
Derek Carter, Jacksonville State, Jr.
Sebastian Castro, Iowa, Gr. Sr.
Jeremiah Cooper, Iowa State, Jr.
Tacario Davis, Arizona, Jr.
Caleb Downs, Ohio State, So.
Daylen Everette, Georgia, Jr.
Jordan Favors, App State, Jr.
Brylan Green, Liberty, Jr.
Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky, Jr.
Maxen Hook, Toledo, Sr.
Jack Howell, Colorado State, Sr.
Travis Hunter, Colorado, Jr.
Anthony Johnson Jr., Western Kentucky, Sr.
Ethan Johnson, App State, Jr.
Will Johnson, Michigan, Jr.
Donte Kent, Central Michigan, Sr.
Rayuan Lane III, Navy, Sr.
Ike Larsen, Utah State, Jr.
A’Marion McCoy, Boise State, Sr.
Donovan McMillon, Pittsburgh, Sr.
Malachi Moore, Alabama, Gr. Sr.
Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame, Jr.
Jabbar Muhammad, Oregon, Sr.
Seyi Oladipo, Boise State, Sr.
Jordan Oladokun, Bowling Green, Sr.
Cameron Oliver, UNLV, Sr.
Gavin Pringle, Georgia State, Sr.
Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina, Sr.
Quincy Riley, Louisville, Sr.
Jonas Sanker, Virginia, Sr.
Malaki Starks, Georgia, Jr.
Gabriel Taylor, Rice, Sr.
Dillon Thieneman, Purdue, So.
Jaden Voisin, South Alabama, Sr.
Xavier Watts, Notre Dame, Gr. Sr.
Aydan White, NC State, Sr.
Hunter Wohler, Wisconsin, Sr.
