OKLAHOMA CITY – Three Conference USA defensive backs were selected to the 2024 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Watch List, an award presented to the nation’s best defensive back. Jax State corner Derek Carter, Liberty safety Brylan Green and WKU corner Anthony Johnson Jr. represent CUSA on the watch list, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (OSHOF) announced Wednesday.
 
Carter picked up a Second-Team All-CUSA nod after establishing himself as one of the Gamecocks’ top cover corners last season. He led the team and tied for third in CUSA with eight pass breakups and picked off two passes, placing him in a tie for sixth among all CUSA players with eight passes defended.
 
Green earned Second Team All-America honors from the FWAA after intercepting five passes in 2023, which ranked sixth nationally. He also ranked second on the team with eight pass breakups and tallied 38 tackles, including 28 solo stops. Green, a First-Team All-CUSA selection, ranked third in CUSA in passes defended (13).
 
In his first year at WKU, Johnson paced CUSA in interceptions per game (0.4) with a team-high four picks in 10 games, to go with five pass breakups. He was the Defensive MVP of the Famous Toastery Bowl after tallying a team-high eight tackles and a fourth-quarter interception to help the Hilltoppers complete the fourth-largest comeback in bowl history in the 35-28 overtime win.
 
Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Important Dates
Wed., July 31: Preseason Watch List Announced
Tue., Oct. 29: Semifinalists Announced
 
A screening committee consisting of OSHOF members monitors all defensive backs throughout the season, including watch list players and narrows the field to up to 15 semifinalists.
 
Tue., Nov. 26: Finalists Announced
 
The three finalists are submitted to a national panel of over 250 sports writers, sportscasters, former players and coaches who vote to determine the winner of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award.
 
Thu., Dec. 12 : Winner Announced on The Home Depot College Football Awards
 
The winner will be announced on the ESPN live presentation of The Home Depot College Football Awards. Other recognized NCFAA awards announced include the Bednarik Award, Maxwell Award, Mackey Award, Rimington Trophy, Lou Groza Award, Ray Guy Award, Bronko Nagurski Award, Outland Trophy, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award, Biletnikoff Award, Davey O’Brien Award, Doak Walker Award, Walter Camp Award and others.
 
Tue., Feb. 4, 2025: Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet Honoring the 2024 Winner
in Oklahoma City
 
The official presentation of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award takes place in Oklahoma City, following The Home Depot College Football Awards. The current winner and all former winners are invited each year to celebrate. Over 600 supporters attend the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet each year, including many celebrities and dignitaries.
 
For more information on the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award and past award recipients, please visit www.oklahomasportshalloffame.org.