Three Sooners on Thorpe Watch List

Oklahoma defensive backs Donte Nicholson, Antonio Perkins and Brodney Pool are among 29 players listed on the preseason watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is presented annually to the top defensive back in college football.

Nicholson, a strong safety, was OU's second-leading tackler on last year's team with 90 stops. He also had two interceptions. Perkins garnered most of his attention as one of the nation's most dangerous kick returners, but started all 14 games at cornerback. He had two interceptions and 51 tackles. Pool emerged at free safety as the 2003 season unfolded and eventually led the team in interceptions with seven. He finished the campaign with 68 tackles.

The Thorpe Award, presented annually to the nation's best college defensive back, is one of college football's most sought after and prestigious awards. It is named after history's greatest all-around athlete, a man who excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on offense, but also was an awesome defensive back. Recognized in the Pro Football Hall of Fame simply as “The Legend”, Thorpe also played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon.

The watch list will be narrowed to 10 semi-finalists the first Monday in November and then to three finalists the Monday before Thanksgiving. The winner will be announced on ESPN's College Football Awards Show, telecast from Disney World on December 9. The official presentation of the award will be in Oklahoma City on February 8.

The watch list is derived through a point system based on All-American teams and Honorable Mentions published in at least six pre-season football magazines. A candidate must be listed as high as third-team All-American in at least one publication or as a fourth team or honorable mention in at least three of these publications.

OU players won two of the last three Thorpe Awards. Roy Williams, now with the Dallas Cowboys, won the honor in 2001, while Derrick Strait, now with the New York Jets, did so in 2003.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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