Wright On Thorpe Award Watch List
07/26/21 | Football
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Oregon cornerback Mykael Wright has been named to the preseason watch list for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (OSHOF) and Jim Thorpe Association announced on Monday morning.
Since 1986, the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award has honored the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. Wright is one of 40 players selected to the preseason watch list.
Wright – who is entering his third season with the Ducks – was a first-team all-conference selection in 2020 after leading the Pac-12 with nine pass breakups. He was the highest graded corner against the run (84.2) in the Pac-12 according to Pro Football Focus, and he allowed a completion percentage of 52.9 (18-of-34) when targeted.
An Antelope Valley, Calif., native, Wright finished 2020 with 25 total tackles, including 18 solo. He has also been a dynamic kick returner for the Ducks, totaling 270 yards on 13 runbacks in 2020 after becoming just the third player in program history to return two kickoffs for touchdowns in the same season as a freshman in 2019.
WRIGHT 2021 PRESEASON HONORS
» Paycom Jim Thorpe Award watch list
» Athlon Sports All-America fourth team
» Phil Steele Pac-12 All-Conference first team
» Athlon Sports Pac-12 All-Conference first team
Since 1986, the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award has honored the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. Wright is one of 40 players selected to the preseason watch list.
Wright – who is entering his third season with the Ducks – was a first-team all-conference selection in 2020 after leading the Pac-12 with nine pass breakups. He was the highest graded corner against the run (84.2) in the Pac-12 according to Pro Football Focus, and he allowed a completion percentage of 52.9 (18-of-34) when targeted.
An Antelope Valley, Calif., native, Wright finished 2020 with 25 total tackles, including 18 solo. He has also been a dynamic kick returner for the Ducks, totaling 270 yards on 13 runbacks in 2020 after becoming just the third player in program history to return two kickoffs for touchdowns in the same season as a freshman in 2019.
WRIGHT 2021 PRESEASON HONORS
» Paycom Jim Thorpe Award watch list
» Athlon Sports All-America fourth team
» Phil Steele Pac-12 All-Conference first team
» Athlon Sports Pac-12 All-Conference first team
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