Clemson football: Mukuba named to Thorpe Watchlist

Clemson football sophomore defensive back Andrew Mukuba has been named to the Jim Thorpe Award watchlist for the 2022 season.

Mukuba is one of 35 initial candidates for the award for the nation’s top defensive back.

"This list includes 35 of the nation’s best defensive backs, representing 10 conferences and one independent university. The preseason watchlist is selected by a screening committee whose members compile a list of up to 50 players. This list is not final, and players who have outstanding seasons may be added to the Semifinalists and Finalists lists as the season progresses."

The winner will be announced on ESPN’s live presentation of The Home Depot College Football Awards along with many of the other college football awards, but the official presentation takes place in Oklahoma City.

The semifinalists for the award are announced on October 24.

Andrew Mukuba’s freshman season for Clemson football was full of awards and accolades and his sophomore season has begun in the same fashion

Mukuba started 10 games and played in all 13 as a freshman in 2021 and was selected as a freshman All-American by the Maxwell Football Club, FWAA, 247Sports, The Athletic, PFF and On3 Sports.

Freshman All-American selection by the Maxwell Football Club, FWAA, 247Sports, The Athletic, PFF and On3 Sports.

Mukuba played Freshman All-American selection by the Maxwell Football Club, FWAA, 247Sports, The Athletic, PFF and On3 Sports.

Mukuba played 576 snaps and recorded 54 tackles, including two for loss, a sack, nine pass breakups and a fumble recovery.

The 9 pass breakups tied a Clemson true freshman single season record held by Robert O’Neal and Justin Miller.

Mukuba was also named the ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year.

The 6 foot, 180 pound sophomore played his high school ball at LBJ High in Austin, Texas and was rated No. 167 overall in the class of 2021, the 8th best safety and the 29th best player in the state of Texas.