TROY, Ala. – Troy safety Dell Pettus has been named to the Jim Thorpe Award Watch List, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame announced Monday; Pettus is one of just six underclassmen on the 49-player watch list. The Thorpe Award is presented annually to the nation's top defensive back.
Pettus, who was a Freshman All-America selection by Pro Football Focus last season, led all freshmen in the Sun Belt Conference with 63 tackles after taking over the starting duties at free safety in the third week of the season – he averaged 5.9 tackles in his 10 starts.