Colorado Buffaloes cornerback Mekhi Blackmon has been named to the Jim Thorpe Award watch list, given annually to the nation’s best defensive back.
Blackmon emerged as the Buffs’ best and most consistent cornerback in the 2020 season. He came into his own, leading the team in pass deflections and doing his best for a really good CU defense. That was his first healthy season, as he suffered injuries in the previous three years.
He should be even better in 2021. Wherever he lines up — outside or in his preferred nickel role — he’s going to be a leader on a young and talented group.