PHILADELPHIA (JMU Athletics) – James Madison safety Jacob Thomas picked up another preseason honor Monday, as he secured a spot on the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List, the Maxwell Football Club announced.
The award, now in its 31st year, is presented annually to the most outstanding defensive player in college football. It’s named in honor of Pro Football Hall of Famer Chuck Bednarik, who spent his entire career with the Philadelphia Eagles and one of the last “60-minute men” for playing on both offense and defense.
Thomas was previously honored on the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Watch List, as well as earning Preseason First Team All-Sun Belt accolades.
He becomes the second JMU player in program history to garner attention for the Bednarik Award, as former All-American defensive end Jalen Green was on the midseason watch list and a semifinalist in 2023.
Thomas is coming off a stellar 2024 campaign in which was named Second Team All-Sun Belt and All-State. He accrued a single-season career high 72 tackles with 8.0 tackles for loss, a half sack, three interceptions and three breakups.
The Bednarik Award preseason list incorporated 90 players across the Football Bowl Subdivision, and he’s one of just four to be honored from the Sun Belt, being joined by Old Dominion linebacker Jason Henderson, Tyree Skipper of Louisiana and Southern Miss cornerback Josh Moten.
Semifinalists for the Bednarik Award will be announced on Nov. 11, while the three finalists are named on Nov. 25. The winner will be unveiled as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show held on Dec. 11.
Thomas and the Dukes begin the 2025 season on Saturday, Aug. 30 when they host Weber State in a 6 p.m. kickoff from Bridgeforth Stadium.
— JMU Athletics —
