Quarterbacks in the Mountain West had a lot to think about whenever they dropped back to pass in 2015. A wealth of talent across the conference’s defensive backfields led to 140 total interceptions on the season, and the best of the best have found their way onto this year’s Jim Thorpe Award watch list.
The honor, given annually to the nation’s top defensive back, includes four MWC entrants with a chance to make big impacts this season. Last year’s defensive player of the year, San Diego State’s Damontae Kazee, makes another watch list appearance after being named to the Bednarik Award list last week.