Temple University Athletics
Chandler Adds Jim Thorpe Award to Preseason Watch Lists
7.14.17 | Football
PHILADELPHIA - The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award 2017 watch list was announced today and includes Temple's senior safety Sean Chandler among 45 of the nation's best defensive backs, representing ten conferences.
This is the fourth watch list that Chandler has made this preseason. He already has a spot on the Chuck Bednarik Award, Bronk Nagurski Trophy, and Lott IMPACT Award lists. Joining Chandler on the preseason watch lists are Temple kicker Aaron Boumerhi (Lou Groza Award) and center Matt Hennessy (Rimington Award).
The Camden, N.J. native is a two-time All-American Athletic Conference second-team selection (2015-16) and an ECAC first team All-Star in 2016. He enters 2017 with seven career interceptions, 12th all-time in school history, and is the team's active leader with 186 career tackles and three fumble recoveries. Chandler is also the only Owl freshman ever awarded the prestigious single-digit jersey, given to one of the nine toughest players each season.
The Jim Thorpe Award is one of the most coveted awards in college football. It 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 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 Jim Thorpe Award watch list is chosen by a screening committee who compiles a list of 30-50 players. The list is not final, and players who have outstanding seasons are added as the season progresses. 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. The Jim Thorpe Award Banquet will be held on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, in Oklahoma.Â
The Owls are coming off back-to-back 10-win seasons in which they were ranked among the Top 25 in both 2015 and 2016. Temple is one of 13 FBS schools to win 10-or-more games in each of the past two seasons and one of five (Alabama, Clemson, San Diego State, Western Kentucky) to accomplish that feat while also playing in its Conference Championship game in each season.
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