Eisworth named to Jim Thorpe Award watch list

Oct 27, 2018; Ames, IA, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Ja’Deion High (88) is tackled by Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Greg Eisworth (12) at Jack Trice Stadium. The Cyclones beat the Red Raiders 40-31. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Iowa State senior safety Greg Eisworth has been named to the 2020 Jim Thorpe Award watch list. The Jim Thorpe Award is given annually to the nation’s best defensive back.

Eisworth has certainly solidified himself in that category during two seasons in Ames while compiling 152 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 15 pass breakups and two interceptions. He is also one of only four Cyclones to receive first-team All-Big 12 honors multiple times.

This is the preseason All-Big 12 selection’s second-straight season on the Thorpe Award watch list. He was also on the Bednarik Award watch list released last week.

Jared Stansbury

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Jared a native of Clarinda, Iowa, started as the Cyclone Fanatic intern in August 2013, primarily working as a videographer until starting on the women’s basketball beat prior to the 2014-15 season. Upon earning his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Iowa State in May 2016, Jared was hired as the site’s full-time staff writer, taking over as the primary day-to-day reporter on football and men’s basketball. He was elevated to the position of managing editor in January 2020. He is a regular contributor on 1460 KXNO in Des Moines and makes regular guest appearances on radio stations across the Midwest. Jared resides in Ankeny with his four-year-old puggle, Lolo.

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