TAMPA, FLA., July 30, 2025 – USF Football cornerback De'Shawn Rucker has been named to the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List, which includes 35 of the nation's best defensive backs.
The Thorpe Award, named in memory of multi-sport athlete Jim Thorpe, has been awarded to the top defensive back in college football since 1986. It is voted on by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.
In his first season with the Bulls in 2024, Rucker started 11 games, missing two due to injury, and proved to be a dynamic force on defense.