The preseason accolades continue to pile up for star Gators cornerback Kaiir Elam. After being named to the watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award, which is given to college football’s top defensive player, Elam was also named to the watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award for the best defensive back in the nation.
Elam finished as a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award last season, and he’s one of 40 players named to the preseason list this time around. So far, he’s the only Florida player named to a preseason watch list.
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Elam has high expectations coming off his first season as a full-time starter. He saw sporadic starting action as a true freshman due to injuries to C.J. Henderson, and in 2020, he was arguably UF’s best defensive player.
He started every game, notching 39 tackles and 11 pass breakups (which led the team) in the process. He also tied for first on the team with two interceptions.
Florida’s secondary struggled as a whole last season, but Elam was one of the few bright spots. Heading into 2021, he’s expected to be a leader for the Gators defense that desperately needs to improve following offensive turnover after 2020.
The winner of the award will be announced in December at The Home Depot College Football Awards Show.
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