Cornerback Williams on Thorpe watch list

USF senior cornerback Trae Williams, who led the Big East with seven interceptions and earned first-team all-conference honors last season, has been named to the watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to college football's top defensive back.

I'm close to just making a Watch List Watch List, but what's most interesting about the 35 names on this list is that teammate Mike Jenkins, typically mentioned in the same breath as Williams, isn't included. The list will be pared to 10 semifinalists in November, then three finalists in December.

Williams is one of four Big East defensive backs on the list, along with Rutgers' Courtney Greene, Cincinnati's Mike Mickens and West Virginia's Eric Wicks. As far as others from Florida schools, there's Florida State's Tony Carter and Myron Rolle and Miami's Kenny Phillips.

So, to recap the USF watched list: linebacker Ben Moffitt is on the Nagurski list (one of 49) and quarterback Matt Grothe is 65 on the Maxwell list. Sixty-five seems a bit bloated to me -- I've been telling people it's easier to issue a Don't Watch List of players not being considered. But what's July without preseason college football accolades? ...

Comments

[Dave]

Can they add to the list in-season, or is it set in stone?

[G.A.]

They definitely do add to the list, so Jenkins will have an opportunity to join in later. Some of the awards, like the Nagurski, award a weekly honor, and each of those is added to the watch list.

[Claudel]

Jenkin is the best shut down man to man corner in the Big East. Unfortunately, he cannot play zone to save his life.

[cee]

talent wise, williams and jenkins have matured.

let's just hope these two keep their noses clean and stay away from the police spotlight.

[Mack]

Mike is by far a better corner. Trae gets a solid jump to intercept on receivers that are #2 on the depth chart.

Why is that?

QBs are always trying to avoid Mike. When they are not trying to avoid him, they have to check past whatever receiver they meant to pass to because Mike will knock the living crap out of the receiver, swipe the ball, or grab it in mid-air.

So why isn't he on the list?

USF is not popular enough to be thought of for players on watch lists so it is typical for analysts to drop 20 names into the mix from the top of their heads and then do a rundown of stats for the remaining few to cover their butts.

Trae has great stats.
Mike is a solid 1st day draft pick, if the improvements to his game I hear about come through, this year.

[Claudel]

Like I said the best man to man cover corner in the Big East. I don't watch enough of the other leagues to know how good he is nationally. Remember Williams (what great hands) got abused by the kid from ECU and UCF. Jenkins is to USF football what Deion Sanders was for the Falcons, 49ers, and Cowboys. He takes away 1/3 of the field (and usually the best WR) from the offense.

[Terry Lucas]

This list is pointless... They might as well etch Kenny Phillips name onto the trophy if he stays healthy... He is the complete shutdown corner and will be the first corner taken in the draft this season.

[Mack]

I'd agree with you Terry, if the 'Canes could get back to their old form. Nobody wants to draft a loser even if he is a massive DB. Look for this award to go to a PAC-10 or Big Ten player where the ball is thrown quite a bit more. Antoine Cason from Arizona is on everybody's mind and has a great list of passing foes to help him along.

[Dave]

I think Mike is the superior player as well, not to take anything away from Trae. There is a reason Trae can get so many picks. I also have noticed that Trae gives up more big plays than Mike. However, I think the are a great combo and will have a stellar year. Hopefully Mike will get some credit later this year.

[cee]

i expect more out of both of them this year.. they got torched by UL last year