BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State seniors Josh Thomas and Desmond Franklin have both been named to the preseason watch list for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, which recognizes the best defensive back in college football.
App State is one of eight teams nationally with more than one candidate for the award. Presented by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, it focuses on performance, athletic ability and character.
Thomas, a 2018 starter at strong safety, and Franklin, a 2018 starter at free safety, intercepted four passes apiece last season for a defense that ranked fourth nationally at 15.