Hakeem Smith is one of 25 players up for the Jim Thorpe Award. The award goes to the best defensive back in college football. The Big East had 3 players make the watch list. For the complete list go HERE.

     According to the website, the Jim Thorpe Award watch list is chosen by a screening committee who compiles a list of 30-40 players each year.  The list is not final and players who have outstanding seasons are added as the season progresses.  The Thorpe Award winner is selected from three finalists and will be announced at The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 6, 2012 on ESPN.