TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona defensive back Tacario Davis has been named one of 42 members of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Watch List, as announced today by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.
 
Davis led the Pac-12 with 16 passes defended and 15 pass breakups a season ago and has been selected to the Jim Thorpe Award preseason watch list for the first time in his collegiate career. He joins five defensive backs from the Big 12 and 42 from across the nation.
 
The junior defensive back from Long Beach, California was named All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention and AP Second Team All-Pac-12 following the 2023 season. This honor joins a growing list of preseason accolades for Davis, including All-Big 12 Team, Athlon Sports Third-Team All-American, Pick Six First-Team All-Big 12, Phil Steele's Third-Team All-American, and Lindy's First-Team All-Big 12.
 
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football's most prestigious awards and its 24 awards have honored more than 900 recipients dating back to 1935. For more information about the NCFAA and its award programs, visit NCFAA.org or follow X at @NCFAA.

By Conference: AAC (4), ACC (5), Big Ten (7), Big 12 (5), CUSA (3), Independent (2), MAC (3), MW (5), SEC (4), Sun Belt (4)
 
The preseason watch list is selected by a screening committee whose members compile a list of up to 50 players based on previous performance in NCAA Division I college football and preseason All-America lists. This list is not final, and players who have outstanding seasons may be added to the semifinalists and finalists lists as the season progresses.

Arizona opens the 2024 season on Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m. MST against New Mexico on ESPN.
 
ABOUT THE PAYCOM JIM THORPE AWARD
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is awarded to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The award was established in 1986 and is named after history's greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on the offensive side of the ball, but also stood out as a defensive back. In addition to his legendary performance on the football field, Thorpe played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon. The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is universally accepted as one of the nation's top collegiate sports honors.

2024 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List
Dontae Balfour, Charlotte, Jr.
Billy Bowman Jr., Oklahoma, Sr.
Shyheim Brown, Florida State, Jr.
Cobee Bryant, Kansas, Sr.
Denzel Burke, Ohio State, Sr.
Derek Carter, Jacksonville State, Jr.
Sebastian Castro, Iowa, Gr. Sr.
Jeremiah Cooper, Iowa State, Jr.
Tacario Davis, Arizona, Jr.
Caleb Downs, Ohio State, So.
Daylen Everette, Georgia, Jr.
Jordan Favors, Appalachian State, Jr.
Brylan Green, Liberty, Jr.
Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky, Jr.
Maxen Hook, Toledo, Sr.
Jack Howell, Colorado State, Sr.
Travis Hunter, Colorado, Jr.
Anthony Johnson Jr., Western Kentucky, Sr.
Ethan Johnson, Appalachian State, Jr.
Will Johnson, Michigan, Jr.
Donte Kent, Central Michigan, Sr.
Rayuan Lane III, Navy, Sr.
Ike Larsen, Utah State, Jr.
A'Marion McCoy, Boise State, Sr.
Donovan McMillon, Pittsburgh, Sr.
Malachi Moore, Alabama, Gr. Sr.
Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame, Jr.
Jabbar Muhammad, Oregon, Sr.
Seyi Oladipo, Boise State, Sr.
Jordan Oladokun, Bowling Green, Sr.
Cameron Oliver, UNLV, Sr.
Gavin Pringle, Georgia State, Sr.
Shavon Revel Jr., East Carolina, Sr.
Quincy Riley, Louisville, Sr.
Jonas Sanker, Virginia, Sr.
Malaki Starks, Georgia, Jr.
Gabriel Taylor, Rice, Sr.
Dillon Thieneman, Purdue, So.
Jaden Voisin, South Alabama, Sr.
Xavier Watts, Notre Dame, Gr. Sr.
Aydan White, NC State, Sr.
Hunter Wohler, Wisconsin, Sr.