ALOHI GILMAN NAMED TO PAYCOM JIM THORPE AWARD WATCH LIST

NOTRE DAME, Ind. — University of Notre Dame senior safety Alohi Gilman was selected to the 2019 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List.

The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award annually recognizes the best defensive back in college football. The award is based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. As such, it is considered one of the most coveted awards in college football.

Gilman hopes to continue Notre Dame’s recent success with the Thorpe Award. Julian Love was one of three finalists in 2018.

Gilman played in and started all 13 games in 2018. He finished second on the Irish in total tackles (95). Gilman added three tackles for loss, five pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two interceptions. He was selected as the Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week after registering two interceptions and eight tackles against No. 12 Syracuse.

Gilman set the College Football Playoff record and tied the Notre Dame bowl record for tackles with 18 against Clemson. He surpassed the previous CFP record of 15 set by Ohio State’s Raekwon McMillan in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl, while he matched Rod Smith’s 18 against Florida in the 1992 Sugar Bowl.

This list includes 46 of the nation’s best defensive backs. The preseason watch list is selected by a screening committee who compiles a list of 30-50 players. This list is not final and players who have outstanding seasons are added as the season progresses.

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