Three Sooners Named to Preseason Watch List
Smith and Harris on Thorpe watch list: Oklahoma cornerback Reggie Smith and safety Nic Harris are both on the preseason watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award. The list was derived through a point system based on preseason All-America teams listed in various football publications. The Thorpe Award, based in Oklahoma City, is presented annually to the nation's best college defensive back. It is named after Jim Thorpe, considered by many to be history's greatest all-around athlete. Oklahoma players have won the Thorpe Award three times. Rickey Dixon won it in 1987 before Roy Williams claimed it in 2001 and Derrick Strait in 2003. Harris, a junior from Alexandria, La., saw action in 13 games last season with eight starts. He accumulated 68 tackles to go with a team-high four interceptions. Smith, a junior from Edmond, Okla., spent last season at safety before moving to corner in the spring. In 2006, he was a first-tam All-Big 12 selection by the Associated Press after notching 40 tackles. He also interception three passes, which he returned for 94 yards and one touchdown. The watch list is narrowed to 10 semi-finalists the first Monday in November and then to three finalists the Monday before Thanksgiving. The winner is announced on ESPN's College Football Awards Show, nationally telecast on December 6. The official presentation of the award will be in Oklahoma City on February 12. (SoonerSports PR)
Eldridge on Mackey watch list: Oklahoma's Brody Eldridge has been named to the preseason watch list for the Mackey Award, which is presented annually to the nation's top collegiate tight end. A total of 31 players are on the initial list for consideration for the award, which is presented by the Nassau (NY) County Sports Commission. An Oklahoma player has never won the award, although Trent Smith was one of three finalists in 2002. Eldridge, a sophomore from La Cygne, Kan., played in 14 games last season with seven starting assignments. Often referred to by Sooner coaches as one of the team's best blockers, Eldridge caught three passes for 18 yards. The Mackey Award will be presented in mid-December. It is named for former Colts great John Mackey. (SoonerSports PR)
Texas coach Brown sees a balanced Big 12: The Oklahoman
Labels: Brody Eldridge, Nic Harris, Oklahoma Sooners, Reggie Smith, Watch List




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