University of Memphis defensive back Quindell Johnson was named to the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watchlist on Monday, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (OSHOF) and Jim Thorpe Association announced.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is awarded to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The award was established in 1986 and is named after history's greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on the offensive side of the ball, but also stood out as a defensive back. In addition to his legendary performance on the football field, Thorpe played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon. The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is universally accepted as one of the nation's top collegiate sports honors.
Johnson was named second-team All-AAC for the second-straight season in 2021 after ranking second in the conference in total tackles (104) and solo tackles (66). He also ranked third in the league in tackles per game (8.7) and sixth in pass breakups (11). Johnson also had 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack and one interception on the year.
The list includes 35 of the nation's best defensive backs, representing 10 conferences and one independent university. The preseason watchlist is selected by a screening committee whose members compile a list of up to 50 players.
A preseason watchlist is compiled by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame based on previous performance and preseason All-America lists. A screening committee consisting of OSHOF members monitors all defensive backs throughout the season, including watchlist players, and narrows the field to up to 15 semifinalists in October. This committee reconvenes on the Monday before Thanksgiving to select three award finalists. The three finalists are submitted to a national panel of over 250 sports writers, sportscasters, former players and coaches who vote to determine the winner of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award.
The winner will be announced on ESPN's live presentation of The Home Depot College Football Awards. Other recognized National College Football Awards Association (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.
The official presentation of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award takes place in Oklahoma City, following The Home Depot College Football Awards. The current winner and all former winners are invited each year to celebrate. Over 600 supporters attend the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet each year, including many celebrities and dignitaries.
Single-game tickets for the 2022 Memphis Football season are now available for Family Zone & Endzone seats at GoTigersGo.com. Tickets in the family zone for all home games start at $20 and in the endzone for $25.
The Pick 3 Mini Plan is also available for the 2022 Tiger season. The Pick 3 Mini Plan gives fans the flexibility to pick from any three Memphis home games during the 2022 season at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, starting at just $45.
Additionally, season tickets for the 2022 University of Memphis football season are now on sale. Fans interested in purchasing season tickets can go to GoTigersGo.com or call the ticket office at 901-678-2331.
To request ticket information for the 2022 season, click here. The Memphis Ticket Office can also be reached during business hours at (901) 678-2331.
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