One of Texas A&M‘s essential defensive leaders has been placed on the watchlist for a highly respected accolade ahead of the 2023 football season.
On Thursday morning, it was revealed that senior safety Demani Richardson was named to the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List, as announced by the Oklahoma Sports Club and Jim Thorpe Association. The honor is given annually to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability, and character.
If you search for the term “consistency” in the dictionary, you’ll likely find Demani Richardson as the preeminent definition. As the senior safety returns for his fifth season in Aggieland, he’s missed just one start in the 44 games he’s appeared in for the Maroon and White. In 2022, Richardson led the team in total tackles with 73 and ranked 11th in the SEC with 48 solo tackles.
He finished second in team pass breakups (5) last season and earned two SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors following wins over Arkansas and LSU, in which he scored a pair of defensive touchdowns.
.@therealdemani named to the @jimthorpeaward Watch List for the nation's top defensive back 👍
🔗 https://t.co/YwApPWsWjg | #GigEm pic.twitter.com/WZGLP6tgx1
— Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) August 10, 2023
As Texas A&M prepares for a pivotal 2023 season, the team will rely on Richardson’s veteran experience and expertise in the Aggies’ defensive scheme to lead a safety group that has true star potential. For the unit to live up to its prospects, Richardson must be both a chief on the field and a mentor to those set to be his heir apparent, such as the likes of sophomore Bryce Anderson.
Richardson is the latest Aggie to be added to a preseason watchlist for individual hardware, joining McKinnley Jackson, Nik Constantinou, Max Wright, Bryce Foster, Donovan Green, and Edgerrin Cooper.
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