UCF’s Davonte Brown Named to ‘22 Jim Thorpe Award Watchlist

ORLANDO - UCF junior cornerback Davonte Brown has been named to the watchlist for the 2022 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award presented to the nation's best defensive back.
 
From Plantation, Florida, Brown is one of 35 defensive backs on the list announced today by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and the Jim Thorpe Association.
 
Last season Brown made 38 tackles, had a team-high 13 PBU and was a third-team all-American Athletic Conference pick by Pro Football Focus after starting every game.
 
He helped the Knights improved their NCAA standing in passing yards allowed by 86 slots (35th in 2021 at 210.1 after 121stth in 2020 at 299.2), including 89 fewer yards per game.
 
In 2022 Brown is a preseason Athlon and Lindy's first-team all-AAC selection and was chosen to the Phil Steele all-AAC second team. 


The preseason watchlist is selected by a screening committee whose members compile a list of up to 50 players. This list is not final, and players who have outstanding seasons may be added to the semifinalists and finalists lists as the season progresses.
 
2022 PAYCOM JIM THORPE AWARD PRESEASON WATCHLIST
Jordan Anderson, Bowling Green, Jr.
Jordan Battle, Alabama, Sr.
Cole Bishop, Utah, So.
Kyu Blu Kelly, Stanford, Sr.   
Julius Brents, Kansas State, Sr.
Davonte Brown, UCF, Jr.
CJ Brown, Northern Illinois, So.
Ji'Ayir Brown, Penn State, Sr.
Denzel Burke, Ohio State, So.
Jalen Catalon, Arkansas, Jr.
Kei'Trel Clark, Louisville, Jr.
Xavier Henderson, Michigan State, Sr.
Ronnie Hickman, Ohio State, Jr.
Brandon Hill, Pittsburgh, Jr.
Tre'Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, TCU, Sr.
Dorian Jackson, Western Michigan, Sr.
Quindell Johnson, Memphis, Sr.
Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M, Jr.
Steven Jones, Jr., Appalachian State, Sr.
Brandon Joseph, Notre Dame, Jr.
Antavious Lane, Georgia State, Jr.
Kenny Logan, Jr., Kansas, Sr.
Darrell Luter, Jr., South Alabama, Sr.
Riley Moss, Iowa, Sr.
Andrew Mukuba, Clemson, So.
Gervarrius Owens, Houston, Sr.
Clark Phillips III, Utah, So.
Joey Porter, Jr., Penn State, Jr.
Kelee Ringo, Georgia, So.
Jammie Robinson, Florida State, Jr.
JL Skinner, Boise State, Sr.
Cam Smith, South Carolina, Jr.
Christopher Smith, Georgia, Sr.
Evan Williams, Fresno State, Sr.
Rashad Wisdom, UTSA, Sr.
 
The watchlist is compiled based on previous performance and preseason All-America lists. The field will be narrowed to 15 semifinalists in October and three finalists who then are submitted to a panel of 250 media and former players and coaches.
 
PAYCOM JIM THORPE AWARD IMPORTANT DATES
October 24, 2022—semifinalists announced
ESPN Official Release TBD—finalists announced
ESPN Official Release TBD—winner announced on the Home Depot College Football Awards Show
February 7, 2023—Paycom Jim Thorpe Award banquet in Oklahoma City
 
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 exploits on the football field, Thorpe played professional baseball and won Olympic Games gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon.