UCLA football defensive backs Ishmael Adams and Fabian Moreau have been named to the Jim Thorpe Award watch list given to the top defensive back in the nation. This is the seventh watch list that has UCLA football personnel have been named to including head coach Jim Mora who was named to the Dodd Trophy watch list.
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UCLA head coach Jim Mora has built the foundation for a very good football team and as we saw last week, proof of that was in the fact that several UCLA football players have been named to multiple award watch lists.
That continued today as cornerbacks Ishmael Adams and Fabian Moreau were listed for the preseason Jim Thorpe Award watch. The award is given to the top defensive back in the nation.
Ishmael Adams is a flat out speedster. Last year he saw time in both the secondary and special teams as a kick-off returner. With the ball in his hands, he was able to do some special things… like a 100-yard kick-off returned for a touchdown and a 95-yard interception for a touchdown… in the same game.
Though teams looked to kick away from him as the season progressed, he was still a threat on defense. Last year he had 41 tackles, 1 for a loss, 2 interceptions and 1 pass deflected.
Sep 25, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive back Fabian Moreau (10) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Moreau is the same type of beast, except on the opposite side of the field. He has great coverage skills and can shut down his receiver. Last season he posted 53 tackles, 3 for a loss, 1 interception and 9 pass deflected. With another year under his belt, Moreau could very well be the top DB in the Pac-12 Conference.
With both defensive backs holding down the corners for another season, the Bruins look to be in good shape. Do not be surprised if you see one or both of these players on the same list at the end of the season.
WATCH LIST RELATED:
- Ka’Imi Fairbairn named to the Lou Groza list
- Jake Brendel named to Rimington list
- Kenny Clark and Myles Jack named to Bednarik list
- Ishmael Adams and Myles Jack named to Hornung list
- Paul Perkins named to Maxwell list
- Jake Brendel, Kenny Clark and Eddie Vanderdoes named to Outland list
- Kenny Clark, Myles Jack and Fabian Moreau named to Nagurski list