OKLAHOMA CITY-Monday, Utah football placed two defensive backs on the Jim Thorpe Award watch list. This award is annually presented to the best defensive back in FBS college football.

Utes sophomore cornerback Clark Phillips III and sophomore safety Cole Bishop each earned the nod.

Phillips posted two interceptions and a forced fumble for the Utes last season. In 2021, Bishop posted three sacks, 9.5 tackles for a loss and five passes defensed.

The Utes commence their season September 3 at Florida to face the Gators at Gainesville, Fla.