Nine Florida HS Football Alumni land on the Jim Thorpe Award watch list

The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame  in conjunction with the National College Football Awards Association released the Jim Thorpe Award watch list today as national trophy and awards watch lists continue to be released during the month of July. The Jim Thorpe Award is awarded annually to the best defensive back  in collegiate football in the country.

The Jim Thorpe Award was established in 1986 and was named after Thorpe who became successful as multi-sport athlete as a decedent of Native American heritage, according to the Jim Thorpe Association website.

These nine Florida HS Football alumni made the watch list and should be commended for their efforts on the field and getting recognized for it.

• S  Jahleel Addae / Central Michigan / Riverview (Riverview)
• CB  Ricardo Allen / Purdue / Daytona Beach Mainland
• S Jonathan Cyprien / FIU / North Miami Beach
• S Matt Elam / Florida / Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer
• S Kemal Ishmael / UCF / North Miami Beach
• S Lamarcus Joyner / Florida State / Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas
• CB Xavier Rhodes / Florida State /Miami Norland
• CB Nickell Robey / USC / Frostproof
• S Johnnie Simon / Western Michigan / West Palm Beach Palm Beach Lakes