OKLAHOMA CITY - University at Buffalo cornerback Boise Ross was named to the Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List on Monday. The award is given annually to the nation's top defensive back.
Ross blossomed into one of the finest defensive backs in the Mid-American Conference in 2015, his first full season playing cornerback. Ross ranked second in the MAC and tied for fifth in the nation in passes defended with 20. His 18 pass breakups and two interceptions set a new school record for passes defended in a season. He had 52 tackles to rank sixth on the team.