Fresno State Athletics
Jim Thorpe Award selects Williams
7/25/2022 7:00:00 AM | Football
Senior DB Evan Williams is selected to the preseason watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award
OKLAHOMA CITY - Fresno State senior safety Evan Williams was selected as one of 35 college defensive backs to be named to the prestigious Paycom Jim Thorpe Award preseason watch list, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Jim Thorpe Association announced Monday morning.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award recognizes the nation's best defensive back - safeties and cornerbacks combined. Williams is one of two selections from the Mountain West, joined by JL Skinner of Boise State.
Williams enters his fourth season in a Bulldog uniform in 2022. A season ago, he was named a first team All-Mountain West selection - becoming the first Bulldog safety to earn the honor since 2014. Williams enters the 2022 season as a preseason All-Mountain West defensive back.
The veteran Bulldog has played a critical role in each of his years in a Bulldog uniform. In his three seasons played (29 games), Williams has totaled 160 tackles (112 solo), four interceptions, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and 10 broken up passes. His best season was in 2021 when he led the team with 93 tackles (60 solo), 4.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, six broken up passes, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. Notably, Williams recorded five 10-tackle games, the most by a Bulldog defensive back in a season since 2016.
Williams was recognized by the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award as the award's Player of the Week for Week nine last season. He earned the honor following his 13 tackles and one interception in Fresno State's 30-20 win at then-No. 21 San Diego State (Oct. 30, 2021). Williams registered a career-high 13 tackles, with 11 solo, in the win. His interception came at a crucial time, and set up a successful scoring drive for the Bulldog offense. Williams also added three big pass breakups, including a critical one in the end zone on an Aztec 2-point conversion attempt.
A preseason watch list is compiled by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame based on previous performance and preseason All-America lists. A screening committee consisting of OSHOF members monitors all defensive backs throughout the season, including watchlist players, and narrows the field to up to 15 semifinalists in October. This committee reconvenes on the Monday before Thanksgiving to select three award finalists. The three finalists are submitted to a national panel of over 250 sports writers, sportscasters, former players and coaches who vote to determine the winner of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award.
The winner will be announced on ESPN's live presentation of The Home Depot College Football Awards. Other recognized National College Football Awards Association
(NCFAA) awards announced include the Bednarik Award, Maxwell Award, Mackey Award, Rimington Trophy, Lou Groza Award, Ray Guy Award, Bronko Nagurski Award, Outland Trophy, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award, Biletnikoff Award, Davey O'Brien Award, Doak Walker Award, Walter Camp Award and others.
The official presentation of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award takes place in Oklahoma City, following The Home Depot College Football Awards. The current winner and all former winners are invited each year to celebrate. Over 600 supporters attend the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet each year, including many celebrities and dignitaries.
"Fresno State Athletics - For The V: The Central Valley" - Bulldog student-athletes, coaches, and staff proudly wear the "Green V" to show their pride in representing the Central Valley. Stories of why the Bulldogs play for the "Green V" will be shared throughout the next year with #ForTheV. To become a Bulldog Foundation member or join "The Green V Society," please visit bulldogfoundation.org.
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