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Fuqua Named to Jim Thorpe Award Watch List
8/10/2023 12:01:00 PM | Football
BUFFALO, NY – University at Buffalo safety Marcus Fuqua was named to the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Watch List on Thursday, presented annually to the top defensive back in college football. It is the second preseason watch list for Fuqua who was also named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List. He is one of only two players from the Mid-American Conference on the list.
An All-MAC First Team selection in 2022, Fuqua was also an Associated Press third-team All-American last season after leading the nation in interceptions with seven. He ranked fourth on the team in tackles with 65 and added 2.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.
This list includes 35 of the nation's best defensive backs, representing 10 conferences and one independent university. The preseason watch list is selected by a screening committee whose members compile a list of up to 50 players based on previous performance in NCAA Division I college football and preseason All-America lists.
The winner will be announced on ESPN's live presentation of The Home Depot College Football Awards. Other recognized NCFAA awards announced include the Bednarik Award, Maxwell Award, Mackey Award, Rimington Trophy, Lou Groza Award, Ray Guy Award, Bronko Nagurski Award, Outland Trophy, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award, Biletnikoff Award, Davey O'Brien Award, Doak Walker Award, Walter Camp Award and others.
Click here for the full watch list,
Bulls on 2023 Watch Lists
Max Michel - Allstate AFCA Good Works Team & Wuerffel Trophy
Shaun Dolac - Bronko Nagurski Trophy
Marcus Fuqua - Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Jim Thorpe Award
Daymond Williams - Outland Trophy
Alex McNulty - Lou Groza Award
Ron Cook, Jr. - Paul Hornung Award
An All-MAC First Team selection in 2022, Fuqua was also an Associated Press third-team All-American last season after leading the nation in interceptions with seven. He ranked fourth on the team in tackles with 65 and added 2.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.
This list includes 35 of the nation's best defensive backs, representing 10 conferences and one independent university. The preseason watch list is selected by a screening committee whose members compile a list of up to 50 players based on previous performance in NCAA Division I college football and preseason All-America lists.
The winner will be announced on ESPN's live presentation of The Home Depot College Football Awards. Other recognized NCFAA awards announced include the Bednarik Award, Maxwell Award, Mackey Award, Rimington Trophy, Lou Groza Award, Ray Guy Award, Bronko Nagurski Award, Outland Trophy, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award, Biletnikoff Award, Davey O'Brien Award, Doak Walker Award, Walter Camp Award and others.
Click here for the full watch list,
Bulls on 2023 Watch Lists
Max Michel - Allstate AFCA Good Works Team & Wuerffel Trophy
Shaun Dolac - Bronko Nagurski Trophy
Marcus Fuqua - Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Jim Thorpe Award
Daymond Williams - Outland Trophy
Alex McNulty - Lou Groza Award
Ron Cook, Jr. - Paul Hornung Award
Players Mentioned
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