Yesterday, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame released its preseason watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award and UCLA defensive back Jaleel Wadood was one of the 39 student-athletes on the Thorpe Award watch list. The Jim Thorpe Award is presented annually to the Best Defensive Back in College Football.
The award was established in 1986 and is named after history’s greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled not only 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 Thorpe Award Winner is selected from three finalists and will be announced at The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, December 8, 2016 on ESPN.
The Jim Thorpe Award Banquet will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 in Oklahoma.
Congratulations, Jaleel!
And, go Bruins!!