Holley Named to Thorpe Award Watch List
7/13/2015 10:10:00 AM | Football
OKLAHOMA CITY- Kent State junior safety Nate Holley (Toledo, Ohio) was named to the Jim Thorpe Award Watch List Monday. Holley was one of 42 players on the preseason list that honors the nation's best defensive back.
The Mid-American Conference's leading tackler last season, Holley has also been named to both Athlon and Phil Steele's Preseason All-MAC First Teams. Earlier this offseason, he was tabbed as one of 10 MAC Players to Watch in 2015 by the Columbus Touchdown Club.
Holley ranked third in the nation in tackles per game (12.5) in 2014 and sixth in solo tackles (6.8). He became just the second Kent State sophomore in five years to be named to the all-conference first team. Holley was a two-time MAC East Defensive Player of the Week and has been the Flashes leading tackler in 10-of-14 career starts.
The Jim Thorpe 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, 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 award's watch list is chosen by a screening committee who compile a list of 30-50 players. The list is not final, and players who have outstanding seasons are added as the season progresses. The Thorpe Award winner is selected from three finalists and will be announced at The Home Depot College Football Awards on Thursday, December 10, 2015 on ESPN.
The Jim Thorpe Award Banquet will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2016 in Oklahoma City.
Kent State season tickets and family four-packs are on sale now. Single-game tickets and Pick 3 mini plans go on sale Wednesday, July 15. The Golden Flashes open the 2015 season Friday, Sept. 4, at Illinois.
