Pitt safety Paris Ford’s reputation continued to grow in advance of the 2020 season when he was named Monday to the watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award.

The award is handed out to the nation’s top defensive back.

Ford, a junior from Steel Valley, previously earned selection to the Bednarik Award watch list for the nation’s top defensive player.

Already named to preseason All-American teams compiled by Sporting News, Phil Steele and Athlon, Ford led Pitt with 97 tackles and three interceptions last season and was second in pass breakups (11) and forced fumbles (3). He was an All-ACC selection and third-team All-America choice by Phil Steele.

He was recently named the ACC’s top returning safety by ACC Network analyst Eric Maclain.

Ford is one of five Pitt players named to preseason watch lists, joining defensive end Patrick Jones II (Bednarik and Lott IMPACT), tight end Lucas Krull (Mackey), center Jimmy Morrissey (Campbell Trophy) and defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman (Bednarik).

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