Kentucky defensive back Maxwell Hairston was named to the Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List Wednesday, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Jim Thorpe Association announced.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is awarded annually to the nation’s best defensive back.
Hairston had five interceptions a season ago with Kentucky, the fifth most in the nation. Two of those interceptions were returned for touchdowns in the Wildcats’ 45-28 victory over Vanderbilt on Sept. 23. He returned an interception 29 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter and later returned one 54 yards in the fourth quarter. He ranked eighth in the SEC in passes defended with 11 in 2023.
A total of 42 finalists were named to the Jim Thorpe Watch List on Wednesday, including Ohio State’s Caleb Downs and Colorado’s Travis Hunter. Semifinalists for the award will be announced Oct. 29.
Entering his junior season, Hairston is one of five Kentucky players named to the 2024 Preseason SEC Media Days All-Southeastern Conference Team. Defensive end Deone Walker, wide receiver/return specialist Barion Brown, offensive lineman Marques Cox and senior linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson were also named.