Jim Thorpe Award: Don't feel listless
Jim Thorpe Award: Don't feel listless

By John Rohde

Published: July 9, 2008

Players missing from this year's initial Jim Thorpe Award Watch List need not fret.

Players not on the first list have often wound up being on the last list.

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There is no pretense to how the Jim Thorpe Association begins the process to honor the nation's top defensive back.

The initial list — which includes OU safety Nic Harris — is determined by scouring at least six preseason publications and awarding points to players who are picked as first-, second-, third- and fourth-team All-Americans, plus honorable mention

"Most everybody accepts our list as the most reasonable approach,” Jim Thorpe president Lynne Draper said. "At the same time, we do get people who call and say we'd like you to consider so-and-so. I usually tell them we can't add them to the watch list, but we will keep an eye on them. With an outstanding season, he can be added at a later date.”

Not only have players been added to the list, they have reached the final ballot.

Aaron Ross of Texas was not on the original 2006 Watch List, and wound up winning the award.

LSU's Craig Steltz and Boston College's James Silva were not on last year's initial Watch List, and wound up as finalists.

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