Western Kentucky defensive back Anthony Johnson Jr. was named to the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Jim Thorpe Association announced Wednesday.

The list includes 42 of the nation’s best defensive backs, representing nine conferences and one independent university. Johnson is one of three players from Conference USA on this year’s watch list.

The preseason watch list is selected by a screening committee whose members compile a list of up to 50 players based on previous performance in NCAA Division I college football and preseason All-America lists. This list is not final, and players who have outstanding seasons may be added to the semifinalists and finalists lists as the season progresses.

Johnson, who was also included on the Shrine Bowl 1000 Watchlist earlier this summer, enters his second season at WKU. He capped off his first season on the Hill last year with Famous Toastery Bowl Defensive MVP honors after posting a season-high eight tackles and a crucial interception late in the comeback win.

Overall, he appeared in 10 games with nine starts at cornerback in 2023. He recorded 44 total tackles – fifth-most on the team – with one tackle for loss, a fumble recovery, four interceptions, five pass breakups and one blocked kick. Johnson’s four interceptions on the season led WKU and his 0.4 interceptions per game led Conference USA – WKU’s 26 turnovers gained led CUSA and were tied for seventh nationally – while his 0.9 passes defended per game ranked fourth in the league. Johnson received CUSA All-Conference Honorable Mention honors last year.

A screening committee consisting of OSHOF members monitors all defensive backs throughout the season, including watch list players, and narrows the field to 15 semifinalists which will be announced Oct. 29. Three finalists will be announced Nov. 26, and they will be submitted to a national panel of over 250 sports writers, sportscasters, former players and coaches who vote to determine the winner of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award. The winner will be announced Dec. 12 during the ESPN live presentation of The Home Depot College Football Awards.

The official presentation of the award takes place in Oklahoma City on Feb. 4, 2025. The current winner and all former winners are invited each year to celebrate. Over 600 supporters attend the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet each year, including many celebrities and dignitaries.

WKU is scheduled to kick off the 2024 season with a 6 p.m. CT game at Alabama on Aug. 31. The Hilltoppers will host Eastern Kentucky for their home opener on Sept. 7 at 6 p.m., and will open CUSA play the following week with a 6 p.m. CT game at Middle Tennessee on Sept. 14.