Calen Bullock Named to Jim Thorpe Award 2023 Preseason Watch List
USC safety Calen Bullock was one of 35 defensive backs named to the 2023 Jim Thorpe Award preseason watch list on Thursday. The Thorpe Award has been given annually to the nation’s top defensive back since 1986. It is voted on by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame
The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Bullock could be a real contender for this if he can up his production from the 2022 season. His five interceptions last fall ranked No. 11 in the nation. He also recorded 48 tackles and five pass breakups. He was named an All-American by Pro Football Focus. And he landed spots on the AP All-Pac-12 First Team and All-Pac-12 Second Team.
Bullock made his highlight play of the year in the season-opener when he intercepted a pass against Rice and took it back 93 yards for a touchdown. Two other interceptions came in the fourth quarter against Arizona and Notre Dame to seal those wins for the Trojans. And he recorded picks in back-to-back games against Cal and Colorado.
Bullock enters the 2023 season with 87 tackles, seven interceptions and eight pass breakups in just 14 career starts. He has a chance to be a three-and-out player and be taken early in the 2024 NFL Draft if he continues to show those impressive ball and coverage skills.
Bullock Looking for Another Thorpe Award for the Trojans
Calen Bullock will look to become the third USC Trojan to win the Thorpe Award. Mark Carrier won it in 1989 and Adoree’ Jackson took it home in 2016.
Oklahoma and LSU are the only schools to produce three Thorpe Award winners. Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, TCU and Texas and tied with USC. All have two each.
Bullock is one of just two Pac-12 players on the Thorpe Award preseason watch list. Fellow safety Cole Bishop of Utah is the other.
