Fresno State Athletics
McCauley on Thorpe Watch List
8/4/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 4, 2006
FRESNO, Calif. - On the day before Fresno State players report to training camp, senior cornerback Marcus McCauley has been selected to the 2006 Jim Thorpe Award pre-season "watch list". The list was released by the Jim Thorpe Association on Thursday.
McCauley was a second-team All-WAC selection in 2005. As a two-year starter, he has helped Fresno State's defense lead the WAC in nearly every defensive statistical category in both the 2004 and 2005 seasons. McCauley's stock has risen this summer when he was clocked at 4.31 in the 40-yard dash during the NFL timing session. He is projected as one of the top NFL cornerback prospects heading into the 2006 season.
"Marcus is a special player and a special person," said head coach Pat Hill. "He's been a great leader for our team and we expect him to have a big year. I don't know if there will be many cornerbacks in the country better than Marcus McCauley."
The 2006 watch list was derived through a point system based on ten pre-season All-American teams. The only player to be named a first team All-American on all ten lists was Miami (FL) strong safety Brandon Meriweather. Other top point getters were LaRon Landry, LSU free safety; Michael Griffin, Texas strong safety; Michigan cornerback Leon Hall; and California cornerback Dameion Hughes.
The Thorpe Award, presented annually to the nation's best college defensive back, 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 Legend", Thorpe also played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon.
The watch list will be narrowed to 10 semi-finalists the first Monday in November and then to three finalists the Monday before Thanksgiving. The winner will be announced on ESPN's College Football Awards Show, telecast from Disney World on December 7. The official presentation of the award will be in Oklahoma City on February 7.
The Bulldogs report to camp on Friday and have their first practice session on Saturday morning.
