Earlier today, UB cornerback Boise Ross was named to the Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch.
The Jim Thorpe Award, named in memory Jim Thorpe, has been awarded to the top colliegate defensive back since 1986. It is awarded by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.
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Last season Ross emerged as one of the top defensive backs blossomed into one of the finest defensive backs in the Mid-American Conference in 2015, his first full season playing cornerback. Ross ranked second in the MAC and tied for fifth in the nation in passes defended with 20. His 18 pass breakups and two interceptions set a new school record for passes defended in a season. He had 52 tackles to rank sixth on the team.
Now a senior, Ross is one of five defensive backs from the MAC and one of 39 nationally to make the list.
Jim Thorpe played both sides of the ball and on special teams as well as playing professional baseball. He also won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon.
The Thorpe Award Winner is selected from three finalists and will be announced at The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, December 8, 2016 on ESPN.