Harvell-Peel Named to Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List

STILLWATER – Oklahoma State safety Kolby Harvell-Peel is one of 40 players on the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List, announced Monday by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Jim Thorpe Association.

Harvell-Peel is also one of three players from the Big 12 who was included on the list for the award, which is annually awarded to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character.

A senior, Harvell-Peel is a two-time All-Big 12 selection who has played in 35 career games. He ranked fourth on the team with 44 total tackles in 2020 and ranked eighth in the Big 12 with two interceptions. The College Station, Texas native has 167 total tackles in his career, to go along with 11.5 tackles for loss, seven interceptions and 21 pass breakups.

Additionally, Harvell-Peel owns the OSU school record for passes broken up in a single game, as he tallied six as part of Oklahoma State’s win at No. 23 Iowa State in 2019.

The preseason watch list for the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award was compiled by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame based on previous performance and preseason All-America lists. Candidates can be added to the list through October, when the field will be narrowed to 10 to 15 semifinalists. The committee will select three award finalists in November, who are then submitted to a national panel of over 250 sports writers, sportscasters, former players and coaches who vote to determine the winner.

The recipient will be announced at The Home Depot College Football Awards and the official presentation of the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award takes place in Oklahoma City following ESPN's live presentation. The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Banquet will be held on February 8, 2022.