University of North Carolina senior defensive back M.J. Stewart was named to the preseason Paycom Jim Thorpe Award watch list on Friday.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is one of college football’s most prestigious honors, awarded to the top defensive back in college football each year.
Stewart, a 6-foot, 200-pound cornerback is entering his final season with the Tar Heels, and looks to be one of the cornerstone pieces of their young defense.
In three seasons at North Carolina, Stewart has 154 tackles, including 96 solo tackles. He’s recorded 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack and three fumble recoveries.