Acker Named To Thorpe Award Watch List

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Oklahoma City (SMU) — SMU senior safety Kenneth Acker was named to the Jim Thorpe Award 2013 watch list, which includes 48 of the nation’s best defensive backs, representing eight conferences and one independent.

Acker, who has already garnered a preseason first-team American All-Conference honor from Athlon Sports, was named second-team All-Conference USA last season after starting all 13 games. He led the team with 12 PBUs and tied for team lead with three interceptions, and was named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 10 after notching two interceptions and scoring two touchdowns – one on an interception return and one on a blocked field goal try – against SFA.

The Jim Thorpe Award is one of the most coveted awards in college football. 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 Jim Thorpe Award watch list is chosen by a screening committee who compile a list of 30-50 players. 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 Thursday, December 12, 2013 on ESPN.