The preseason watch list keeps seeing more and more purple and gold. That continued on Monday when LSU defensive back Grant Delpit had his name added to a second preseason award list, being named one of 46 players from across the country named to the Jim Thorpe Award Watch List.
The Jim Thorpe Award annually recognizes the best defensive back in college football. Past LSU winners of this prestigious award include Patrick Peterson in 2010 and Morris Claiborne in 2011. Both went on to be first-round NFL draft picks and have solid careers in the league.
Rated as the No. 1 defensive back in college football heading into the 2019 season by USA Today, Delpit is also listed on the Bednarik Award Watch List.
Delpit led the Southeastern Conference interceptions (5) and ranked No. 2 in the league in passes defended (14) in 2018. Also, he led the Tigers in sacks (5.0), finished third in tackles (74), and added another 10.5 tackles for loss.
For his outstanding defensive play as a sophomore in 2018, Delpit was one of five finalists for the Nagurski Trophy as well as being a first-team All-SEC selection.