Hokie ClubThe 2009 Jim Thorpe Award preseason “watch list†announced today includes 31 of the nation’s best defensive backs as the leading candidates for this year’s trophy, including a pair of Virginia Tech seniors in cornerback Stephan Virgil and free safety Kam Chancellor.
The Thorpe Award is one of college football’s most sought after and prestigious awards. 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 Legendâ€,
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 honorable mentions. This procedure determines
approximately 30-40 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.