Catalon Added to Thorpe Watch List
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Despite missing most of last season, Arkansas defensive back Jalen Catalon has made his way onto the Jim Thorpe Award watch list for the country's top defensive back.
Catalon opted to return to the team after suffering a broken hand and a shoulder injury last season during the Texas A&M game. The safety stuck it out until finally agreeing to bow out beginning with the Auburn game to tend to his injuries.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Arkansas started the season 4-0 and rose to No. 8 in the country with Catalon at full strength. However, Arkansas went 0-3 following his injuries.
Even though he played injured and missed the second half of the season. Catalon compiled 46 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, which was good enough for eighth on a team loaded with prolific tacklers.
The Thorpe Award announcement adds to a growing list of recognition for the Arkansas captain. He has also been named First Team Phil Steele Preseason All-American, First Team Phil Steele Preseason All-SEC and First Team Preseason All-SEC.
Arkansas safety Jalen Catalon returns an interception against Rice while getting an escort by fellow defensive LaDarrius Bishop. It was one of two interceptions for Catalon for the game.
The preseason watch list can include up to 50 players, but only 35 have been deemed worthy this season, including six SEC defensive backs. Other players in the conference featured on the list include:
• Jordan Battle, Alabama
• Antonio Johnson, Texas A&M
• Cam Smith, South Carolina
• Christopher Smith, Georgia
• Kelee Ringo, Georgia
Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Kelee Ringo (5) returns a interception for a touchdown during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indiana.
Jenna Watson – USA TODAY Sports
The Thorpe Award committee will name 15 semifinalists in October before naming the three finalists the week of Thanksgiving. At that point, 250 voters will determine the ulitmate winner.
If Catalon is named a finalist, he will take the relatively short drive to Oklahoma City for the Awards ceremony.
HOW DID PITTMAN RANK IN TERMS OF ENTERTAINMENT AT SEC MEDIA DAYS?
IF NICK SABAN IS RELYING ON CONGRESS TO FIX NIL, HE MAY BE IN TROUBLE
SAM PITTMAN DOESN'T THINK HOGS HAVE ARRIVED ... AND THEY HAVEN'T
HOW TENNESSEE ACTUALLY MADE A WORSE HIRE THAN CHAD MORRIS IN 2017
KJ JEFFERSON GETS ANOTHER BIT OF MOTIVATION WITH SNUB AT SEC MEDIA DAYS
WITHOUT SABAN AND FISHER FEUDING AND NO NEW TEAMS, MEDIA DAYS WAS RATHER ROUTINE
OLE MISS HAS MUCH SMOOTHER SCHEDULE THAN RAZORBACKS THIS YEAR
HOGS GET HIGH PROFILE ALLY IN QUEST TO CHANGE OUTDATED RULE
HOGS' OFFENSE WILL NEED TO RELY ON RECEIVER BY COMMITTEE
ALL-AMERICAN SAFETY JALEN CATALON ON INJURY LAST YEAR, LOOKING AHEAD TO SEASON
HOGS' BUMPER POOL ON COMING BACK FOR BONUS SEASON TO LEAVE PROGRAM BETTER
• Want to join in on the discussion? Click here to become a member of the allHOGS message board community today!
