Leonhard Named to Thorpe Award Watch List
July 27, 2004 | Football
University of Wisconsin senior free safety Jim Leonhard has been named to the 2004 Jim Thorpe Award preseason watch list the Jim Thorpe Association announced Tuesday.
Leonhard, a native of Tony, Wis., is one of 29 players nationwide named to the list. The Thorpe Award is presented annually to the nation's top defensive back.
Leonhard's 18 interceptions over the past two seasons are the most by any Division I player during that span. His 18 career interceptions rank second all-time at UW, trailing only 2000 Thorpe Award winner Jamar Fletcher (21). Leonhard is a two-time first-team All-Big Ten selection and was named a first-team All-American by ESPN.com last season and by CNN/SI.com in 2002.
The watch list will be narrowed to 10 semi-finalists the first Monday in November and then to three finalists the Monday before Thanksgiving. The winner will be announced on ESPN's College Football Awards Show, telecast from Disney World on December 9. The official presentation of the award will be in Oklahoma City on February 8.
The watch list is derived through a point system based on All-American teams and Honorable Mentions published in at least six pre-season football magazines. A candidate must be listed as high as third-team All-American in at least one publication or as a fourth team or honorable mention in at least three of these publications.
Leonhard had previously been named a preseason first-team All-American by Lindy's and a second-team All-America pick by Athlon 's and Street and Smith's.
The list is not final. Players not on the list who have exceptional seasons may be added at a later date.
