Marcus Allen named to Jim Thorpe Award watch list

Penn State safety Marcus Allen was named to the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award watch list Friday.

It was the fourth time Allen has been recognized on a watch list — the senior is also a candidate for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, Bednarik Award and Nagurski Trophy. The Thorpe Award is given to the nation’s best defensive back and factors in on-field performance, athletic ability and character.

Allen led the Nittany Lions with 110 tackles last season, including a 22-tackle performance against Minnesota. He was a third-team All-Big Ten selection by the coaches.

The Nittany Lions take on Akron in the season opener Sept. 2.

This story was originally published July 14, 2017 at 9:37 PM with the headline "Marcus Allen named to Jim Thorpe Award watch list."