Georgia Bulldog's Boykin Named To Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List

Georgia junior cornerback Brandon Boykin has been named to the Jim Thorpe Preseason Watch List, according to an announcement by the Jim Thorpe Association members on Monday.
Boykin is one of 35 collegiate players on the list, including five others from the Southeastern Conference, who are in contention to be named the nation's best defensive back. The Fayetteville native has already been named to the Lott Trophy Watch List.
Boykin has played in all 26 games during his two years with the Bulldogs, including starting 12 of 13 in 2009. He was second on the team with three interceptions last season and fourth on the squad with 54 tackles.
Boykin also made a significant impact on special teams last year. He set the school record for kickoff return yardage in a single season with 988 yards on 38 returns. Boykin became the first player in SEC history with two 100-yard kickoff returns for touchdowns in the same season. In addition, he set a school record with three kickoff returns for touchdowns in a season and is one of only two Bulldogs with three return touchdowns in a single season (Jimmy Campagna is the other with two punts and one kickoff return in 1952).
The Thorpe Award is named after a man who excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on offense, but also was a standout defensive back. Recognized in the Pro Football Hall of Fame simply as "The Legend", Thorpe also played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon.