KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State football redshirt senior DB
Tyler Hallum and redshirt sophomore DB
JeRico Washington Jr. were both named to the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Watch List, the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and Jim Thorpe Association announced Wednesday.
The award is presented annually to the nation's best defensive back. The Owls are one of seven programs nationally with multiple defensive backs on the preseason watch list – joining Texas, Georgia, Ohio State, Duke, Iowa State, and Boise State.
From Marietta, Hallum saw action in all 12 games for KSU last season, making 10 starts as well. He led the team in solo tackles with 46 overall on the season and totaled 56 combined. His highlights last season included a SportsCenter Top 10 interception in the Owls' win over then-undefeated Liberty (Oct. 23) and a season-high eight tackles against LA Tech to close the year on Nov. 30 and was named an all-CUSA honorable mention.
A native of Atlanta, Washington started in all 12 games for Kennesaw State last season as a redshirt freshman. En route to all-freshman and all-Conference USA honors, Washington hauled in two interceptions and forced three fumbles to go along with his 43 tackles on the season. He caught fire in November, recording interceptions in back-to-back weeks against Sam Houston (Nov. 16) and FIU (Nov. 23).
Semifinalists for the Thorpe Award will be announced Oct. 28, while the three finalists will be unveiled on Nov. 25. The Thorpe Award winner will be named during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 12.
Hallum, Washington and the Owls open their 2025 campaign on Friday, Aug. 29 at Wake Forest. Season tickets and single-game tickets are available now by clicking
HERE!
2025 KENNESAW STATE FOOTBALL SEASON TICKETS
The best way to capture all the action at Fifth Third Stadium is through season tickets for the 2025 Kennesaw State football season. In addition to traditional season tickets on the west side, Owl Nation also has the option of the popular Family Four Pack – which features four general admission season tickets in the South End Zone for just $249. Click
HERE for more info on tickets for Jerry Mack's first season as head coach of KSU football.
The Owls Fund
The Owls Fund is the primary fundraising arm of Kennesaw State Athletics with the goal of supporting our student-athletes, coaches and each of our 18 NCAA Division I programs. Through initiatives such as Legacy Lockers, the Dot Martin Scholarship Golf Classic, sport-specific giving opportunities, general donations and season tickets, The Owls Fund connects fans with KSU's programs and student-athletes. Members receive exclusive benefits such as hospitality seating areas and events at Kennesaw State home games, and more. Joining The Owls Fund here and discover more opportunities on how you can support Kennesaw State Athletics.
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