Stewart Gets Preseason Thorpe Award Nod

OKLAHOMA CITY --- The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award 2017 watch list was announced Friday and includes 45 of the nation's best defensive backs, including North Carolina senior cornerback M.J. Stewart.

Stewart, a 6-0, 200-pound native of Arlington, Virginia, led the team with 11 pass breakups and finished sixth with 59 tackles as a junior. Stewart ranks third all-time at UNC with 29 pass breakups, including 25 over the last two seasons. He was an honorable-mention All-ACC selection in 2016.

The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is one of the most coveted awards in college football. It isawarded 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 Paycom 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 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet will be held on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, in Oklahoma.

Players Mentioned

M.J. Stewart

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