Nevada’s BerDale Robins named to Paycom Jim Thorpe award watch list

Nevada’s top cornerback BerDale Robins was named to the preseason Paycom Jim Thorpe watch list, Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (OSHOF) and the Jim Thorpe Association announced Monday. The award is annually given to the nation’s top defensive back.

Robins, who made the All-Mountain West honorable mention team last year, made 27 tackles with one fumble recovery, five pass breakups and one interception. His lone pick came in the season opener against Wyoming on Oct. 24.

He was given 2021 preseason All-Mountain West first-team honors from Pro Football Focus, Athlon Sports and Phil Steele.

Robins was one of four Mountain West defensive backs to be named to the list — the other three being Boise State’s Kekaula Kaniho, Hawai’i’s Cortez Davis and New Mexico’s Jerrick Reed II. The list featured 40 FBS defensive backs.