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Hill Named to Jim Thorpe Award Watch List
7/20/2020 1:03:00 PM | Football
OKLAHOMA CITY – University at Buffalo senior safety Tyrone Hill has been named to the watch list for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually to the outstanding defensive back in college football.
Hill, a second-team All-MAC selection in 2019, is entering his third season as the Bulls' starting safety. He had a breakout season in 2019, ranking third on the team in tackles with 70, including three for loss. The New Jersey native led the team in pass breakups with 10.
Hill is one of five players from the Mid-American Conference on a list that includes 49 of the nation's best defensive backs. The preseason watch list was selected by a screening committee whose members compiled a list of up to 50 players. This list is not final and players who have outstanding seasons may be added as the season progresses.
A preseason watch list is compiled by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame based on previous performance and preseason All-America lists. A screening committee, consisting of OSHOF members, monitor the watch list players and narrow the field to 10 to 15 semifinalists on the first Monday of November. This committee reconvenes on the Monday before Thanksgiving to select three award finalists. The three finalists are submitted to a national panel of over 250 sports writers, sportscasters, former players and coaches who vote to determine the winner of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award.
Hill is the fourth UB player named to a preseason watch list. Defensive end Taylor Riggins was named to the Bednarik Award Watch List and running backs Jaret Patterson and Kevin Marks were named to the Doak Walker Award Watch List.
Click here for the entire Jim Thorpe Award Watch List.
Hill, a second-team All-MAC selection in 2019, is entering his third season as the Bulls' starting safety. He had a breakout season in 2019, ranking third on the team in tackles with 70, including three for loss. The New Jersey native led the team in pass breakups with 10.
Hill is one of five players from the Mid-American Conference on a list that includes 49 of the nation's best defensive backs. The preseason watch list was selected by a screening committee whose members compiled a list of up to 50 players. This list is not final and players who have outstanding seasons may be added as the season progresses.
A preseason watch list is compiled by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame based on previous performance and preseason All-America lists. A screening committee, consisting of OSHOF members, monitor the watch list players and narrow the field to 10 to 15 semifinalists on the first Monday of November. This committee reconvenes on the Monday before Thanksgiving to select three award finalists. The three finalists are submitted to a national panel of over 250 sports writers, sportscasters, former players and coaches who vote to determine the winner of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award.
Hill is the fourth UB player named to a preseason watch list. Defensive end Taylor Riggins was named to the Bednarik Award Watch List and running backs Jaret Patterson and Kevin Marks were named to the Doak Walker Award Watch List.
Click here for the entire Jim Thorpe Award Watch List.
Players Mentioned
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