Eddie Jackson’s move from cornerback to safety last season compound with his decision to return to Alabama for his senior year, has him set up for a huge season in the fall.
The Crimson Tide defensive back was named to the 2016 Jim Thorpe Award watch list on Monday, per the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. The Thorpe Award, named after multi-sport legend Jim Thorpe, has been presented since 1986 and is awarded to the nation’s top defensive back.
Jackson, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is one of 39 defensive backs named to the preseason watch list. He was a semifinalist for the honor in 2015, after posting 46 tackles, three tackles for loss, two pass breakups, a forced fumble, six interceptions and two defensive touchdowns.
He is the lone Alabama player named to three preseason award watch lists, while being one of five players named to at least two. Former Tide cornerback Antonio Langham was the last Alabama player to win the award in 1993.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
