Harris, Smith on Thorpe List

July 25, 2007

NORMAN, Okla. - Oklahoma cornerback Reggie Smith and safety Nic Harris are both on the preseason watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award.

The list was derived through a point system based on preseason All-America teams listed in various football publications.

The Thorpe Award, based in Oklahoma City, is presented annually to the nation's best college defensive back. It is named after Jim Thorpe, considered by many to be history's greatest all-around athlete.

Oklahoma players have won the Thorpe Award three times. Rickey Dixon won it in 1987 before Roy Williams claimed it in 2001 and Derrick Strait in 2003.

Harris, a junior from Alexandria, La., saw action in 13 games last season with eight starts. He accumulated 68 tackles to go with a team-high four interceptions.

Smith, a junior from Edmond, Okla., spent last season at safety before moving to corner in the spring. In 2006, he was a first-tam All-Big 12 selection by the Associated Press after notching 40 tackles. He also interception three passes, which he returned for 94 yards and one touchdown.

The watch list is narrowed to 10 semi-finalists the first Monday in November and then to three finalists the Monday before Thanksgiving. The winner is announced on ESPN's College Football Awards Show, nationally telecast on December 6. The official presentation of the award will be in Oklahoma City on February 12.

The Jim Thorpe Award "watch list" is determined by analysis of the pre-season All-America teams listed in at least six preseason college football annual magazines. Four points are awarded for first team, three points for second team, two points for third and one point for fourth teams and honorable mentions. This procedure determines approximately 40 players on the pre-season watch list. Players are then added as the season progresses.

A "Screening Committee" of Jim Thorpe Association members follows these players throughout the season, watching games and researching information sources to grade Thorpe Award candidates on the basis of performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The committee meets on the first Monday in November to narrow the field to 10-12 semi-finalists.

The committee meets again on the Monday before Thanksgiving to select the three finalists. The names of these finalists are submitted to a national panel of about 50 sports writers, sportscasters, coaches and former players who vote to determine the winner.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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