UCLA Football: Jaleel Wadood named to the Jim Thorpe watch list

Senior defensive back Jaleel Wadood is the latest memeber of the UCLA Football team to get some preseason recognition as he was named to the Jim Thorpe Award watch list.

The UCLA Football team has yet another Bruin named to a preseason Award watch list, so #4sUp to that! On Friday morning, senior safety Jaleel Wadood was named to Jim Thorpe Award watch list, bringing up a total number of five Bruins on seven watch lists.

RELATED: The UCLA Football “Award Watch List’ list

The Jim Thorpe Award (presented by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame) is given annually to the best defensive back in college football. Per their site, “The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is one of the most coveted awards in college football. It is awarded to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character.”

To be honest, we are not surprised Wadood. Aside from the fact that this is his second year in a row that he has been named to the watch list, Bruin fans have known since the moment he put on the blue and gold uniform that he was something special.

Since his freshman year, Wadood has been making huge plays and made excellent strides in development. Last season he was one of top players on the Bruin defense which had a plethora of talent.

Wadood was third on the team with 76 total tackles (two that went for a loss) and added four pass deflections and one forced fumble.

Wadood will be looking to lead a Bruin secondary that has been very competitive in every season Jim Mora has been the head coach of the Bruins.

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This season will be no different as Wadood will continue to dominate at his position and along with the talents of Adarius Pickett, Nate Meadors and Octavious Spencer (just to name a few), the Bruins will continue to have one of the best secondaries in the Pac-12. Congratulations, Wadood! Go Bruins!