Louisville CB Quincy Riley Named to Thorpe Award Watch List

The award is presented annually to the top defensive back in college football.

Oct 29, 2022; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals cornerback Quincy Riley (3) returns an interception against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the second half at Cardinal Stadium. / Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

Press Release from the University of Louisville:

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Quincy Riley of the University of Louisville football team was named to the prestigious Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (OSHOF) and Jim Thorpe Association, announced on Wednesday.

This list includes 42 of the nation’s best defensive backs, representing nine conferences and one independent university. The preseason watch list is selected by a screening committee whose members compile a list of up to 50 players based on previous performance in NCAA Division I college football and preseason All-America lists. This list is not final, and players who have outstanding seasons may be added to the semifinalists and finalists lists as the season progresses.

Riley started all 14 games for the Cardinals at cornerback, earning honorable All-Atlantic Coast Conference accolades. He recorded 49 tackles and was second on the squad with three interceptions. The Columbia, S.C., native registered four tackles and a key interception in an upset of No. 10 Notre Dame.

By Conference: AAC (4), ACC (5), Big Ten (7), Big 12 (5), CUSA (3), Independent (2), MAC (3), MW (5), SEC (4), Sun Belt (4)

The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association. Founded in 1997, the NCFAA includes college football’s most prestigious awards and its 24 awards have honored more than 900 recipients dating back to 1935. For more information about the NCFAA and its award programs, visit the NCFAA.org or follow on X at @NCFAA.

The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is awarded to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The award was established in 1986 and is named after history’s greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on the offensive side of the ball, but also stood out as a defensive back. In addition to his legendary performance on the football field, Thorpe played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon. The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is universally accepted as one of the nation’s top collegiate sports honors.

(Photo of Quincy Riley: Jamie Rhodes - USA TODAY Sports)

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