Junior defensive back CJ Henderson was named to the 2019 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award watch list, as announced on Monday by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame. The nod serves as Henderson's second national award watch list recognition after being named to the Bednarik Award watch last week (Mon., July 15). Additionally, Henderson was recently named to the Preseason All-SEC list, receiving first-team recognition.
Henderson appeared in and started all 13 games throughout the season for the Gators, regarded as one of the top cornerbacks in the entire country after totaling 38 tackles, five tackles-for-loss, three sacks, and two interceptions. The Miami, Fla. native also tallied a team-high seven pass breakups and two forced fumbles en route to garnering Coaches All-SEC Second Team accolades following the season.
Henderson was a key member of a defensive group that helped Florida lead the nation in fourth quarter opponent passing efficiency (66.25) and rank second nationally in fourth quarter opponent completion percentage (40.5). He enters his junior season with 60 total tackles, five tackles-for-loss, three sacks, six interceptions, and two forced fumbles.
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to college football's top defensive back, is one of the National College Football Awards Association's most coveted honors. Established in 1986, the award recognizes performance on the field, athletic ability, and character.