July 7, 2008
Oklahoma City, Okla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - UCF senior cornerback Joe Burnett was one of 40 defensive backs named to the Jim Thorpe Award "watch list" as officials from the Jim Thorpe Association announced this year's preseason list. The Thorpe Award trophy is given annually to the nation's top defensive back.
Burnett has already been named to the Chuck Bednarik and Bronco Nagurski Award "watch lists" this summer - both awards are given to the nation's top defender. A Eustis native, Burnett ranks second on the UCF career charts with 12 interceptions - a total that is second among all active returners in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision.
The Thorpe Award is one of college football's most sought after and prestigious postseason honors. It is named after history's greatest all-around athlete, a man who excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on offense, but also was an awesome defensive back. Recognized in the Pro Football Hall of Fame simply as "The Legend", Thorpe also played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon.
The Jim Thorpe Award "watch list" is determined by analysis of the pre-season All-American teams listed in at least six pre-season 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. This list is not final and players who have outstanding seasons are 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 or 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. The three finalists are invited to the ESPN College Football Awards Show, and the winner is announced during the show.
Formal presentation of the Jim Thorpe Award takes place at ceremonies in Oklahoma City on the first Tuesday in February following the national signing date for college football recruits.
Burnett and the Knights open the 2008 campaign at Bright House Networks Stadium on Aug. 30 versus South Carolina State. Season tickets are currently available. To order season tickets, or to learn more about attending games at Bright House Networks Stadium, call 407-UCF-1000. The Knights are scheduled to play six home contests this year.
For the latest news and information on the Knights, tickets or apparel, log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. Also visit www.ucfphotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.