The 2010 Jim Thorpe Award announced 35 candidates, including six Big 12 defensive backs, to its preseason watch list.

Colorado's Jimmy Smith, Nebraska's Prince Amukamara, Oklahoma's Quinton Carter and Texas cornerbacks Curtis Brown, Blake Gideon and Aaron Williams, are among the nation's best defensive backs to be considered for this year's trophy.

The Jim Thorpe Award watch list is determined by analysis of the preseason All-American teams listed in at least six preseason college football annual magazines. However, the preliminary list is not final and players who have outstanding seasons are added as the season progresses.

A screening committee of Jim Thorpe Association members grades the candidates on the basis of performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The committee will meet the first Monday in November to narrow the field to 10 or 12 semi-finalists.

Three finalists will be selected on the Monday before Thanksgiving. The names of these finalists are submitted to a national panel of about 50 sports writers, sportscasters, coaches and former players who vote to determine the winner. The three finalists are invited to the ESPN College Football Awards Show, and the winner is announced during the show.

The Jim Thorpe Award will be presented at ceremonies in Oklahoma City on the first Tuesday in February following the national signing date for college football recruits.