Wingard considered for Jim Thorpe Award

The award is annually presented to the nation’s best defensive back.

University of Cincinnati senior defensive back Zach Edwards (Middletown, Ohio/Middletown) was named to the initial watch list for the 2016 Jim Thorpe Award, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced Monday.

Steelhammer, who is also on the Bronko Nagurski watch list for defensive player of the year honors, is a two-time first-team all-Mountain West selection and widely considered one of the top defensive players in the conference.

Thomas and Sterns have started every game the past two seasons. Phil Steele has tabbed Sutton for preseason Third Team All-American honors as both a cornerback and a punt returner and Lindy’s ranks him as the No. 4 cornerback in the country. He was joined on the watch list by Iowa’s Desmond King, Jourdan Lewis of MI and Maryland’s William Likely. His absence was profoundly felt, as California quarterback then connected on 25 of 37 passes for 467 yards and six touchdowns in a 55-36 victory over the Falcons. Thomas tallied three interceptions last season and was named second-team All-Big 12 by league coaches. Steelhammer and Ladipo were among 39 players total on the list. He also had 18 pass breakups and two interceptions.

The Jim Thorpe Award was established in 1986 and named after the legendary athlete. The list is not final, and players who have outstanding seasons are added as the season progresses.

The Jim Thorpe Award is one of the most prestigious in the college football ranks.