Iowa's Cooper DeJean, ISU's T.J. Tampa on 'watch list' for Jim Thorpe, Bronko Nagurski awards

Iowa State and Iowa both landed defensive backs on the Jim Thorpe Trophy "watch list."The award is given out annually to the best defensive back in college football. Cyclones senior T.J. Tampa and Hawkeyes junior Cooper DeJean both made the preseason list for the award. Both players also were named to the preseason list for the Bronko Nagurski award, which honors the best defensive player in college football.DeJean, a first-team all-Big Ten pick last year, was also tabbed as the preseason Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year by the league’s media. He had 75 tackles and five interceptions last year.Tampa, a second-team all-Big 12 pick last year, was a preseason all-Big 12 pick by the league's coaches this year. He started in all 12 games last season for the Cyclones, recording 40 tackles and one interception.

DES MOINES, Iowa —

Iowa State and Iowa both landed defensive backs on the Jim Thorpe Trophy "watch list."

The award is given out annually to the best defensive back in college football.

Cyclones senior T.J. Tampa and Hawkeyes junior Cooper DeJean both made the preseason list for the award. Both players also were named to the preseason list for the Bronko Nagurski award, which honors the best defensive player in college football.

DeJean, a first-team all-Big Ten pick last year, was also tabbed as the preseason Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year by the league’s media. He had 75 tackles and five interceptions last year.

Tampa, a second-team all-Big 12 pick last year, was a preseason all-Big 12 pick by the league's coaches this year. He started in all 12 games last season for the Cyclones, recording 40 tackles and one interception.

Iowa's Cooper DeJean, ISU's T.J. Tampa on 'watch list' for Jim Thorpe, Bronko Nagurski awards

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