University of Louisville junior cornerback Jaire Alexander is one of the nation’s top 45 defensive backs to earn a spot on the 2017 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award preseason watch list. The award is given annually to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character.
Alexander, a junior, was previously named to the Chuck Bednarik and Bronko Nagurski preseason watch lists.
A Charlotte, N.C., native, Alexander started all 13 games in 2016, earning second-team all-ACC honors. He led the team with five interceptions, including two against Clemson and two more versus Virginia. The Charlotte, N.C., native also had 39 tackles and one forced fumble.
He represented the Cardinals at the ACC Kickoff Thursday in Charlotte, N.C.
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 7, 2017, on ESPN.
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