BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Junior Iowa State University cornerback Jontez Williams continues to get preseason recognition, with his name being placed on three watchlists for defensive-player awards.
The 2022 Bradford High School graduate is on the watchlists for the Bronko Nagurski Award, which is presented to the top defensive back, the Chuck Bednarik Award, which is presented to the outstanding defensive player, and the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, which is presented to the best defensive back (based on on-field performance, athletic ability and character).
Williams, who led Iowa State with four interceptions last season, has also been named to the Preseason All-Big 12 Conference Team as well as being named a Third-Team All-American by football writer Phil Steele. The 5-11, 200-pound defensive back is coming off a season in which he received second-team All-Big 12 and Associated Press All-Big 12 honors.
The Bronko Nagurski, Chuck Bednarik and Paycom Jim Thorpe award winners will be announced in December. Last season’s winners were South Carolina defensive end Kyle Kennard (Bronko Nagurski), Colorado defensive back Travis Hunter (Chuck Bednarik) and Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron (Paycom Jim Thorpe).
