Central Michigan University Athletics
Annese On Thorpe Watch List
7/11/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
Andy Sneddon, CMUChippewas.com
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - Central Michigan safety Tony Annese has been named to the 2016 Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List.
It is the second consecutive season that Annese, a 6-foot-1, 209-pound senior from Hartland, has made the list. The award recognizes the best defensive back in college football and is named for Thorpe, widely recognized as the greatest athlete in American history.
Annese led the Chippewas with two interceptions last season and ranked second on the team in total tackles (84) and solo tackles (58). He was third on the team with five pass breakups and recorded 2 ½ sacks.
Annese has started each of the past two seasons and has seven career interceptions. He was named to the Athlon Sports 2016 All-MAC preseason second team. He earned Third Team All-MAC honors as a sophomore in 2014.
Annese is one of five players representing Mid-American Conference schools on the Thorpe Watch List. The others are Shawun Lurry of Northern Illinois, Demetrius Monday of Kent State, DeJuan Rogers of Toledo, and Boise Ross of Buffalo.
The winner will be announced at The Home Depot College Football Awards on Dec. 8. The award is presented by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.
