LOGAN, Utah — Utah State football junior Ike Larsen has been named to the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List it was announced on Wednesday.
 
Along with being named to the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Watch List, Larsen was also named to the watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded annually the best defensive player in the nation, and was named to the preseason all-Mountain West team by Phil Steele (first team), Athlon Sports (first team) and MW media. It is Larsen's second consecutive year being named to preseason all-MW teams by each of the three publications.
 
Larsen, a 5-foot-10, 195-pound safety from Smithfield, Utah (Sky View HS) was named a College Football Network Honorable Mention All-American in 2023 and earned first-team all-MW honors as he started all 13 games. He finished the year with 103 tackles (58-solo, 45-assist), which were the second-most on the team, and he became the 65th player in school history to have 100-plus tackles in a season. He also had 4.5 tackles for loss, to go along with a team-high four interceptions and a team-best two blocked kicks, while adding six pass breakups, which were the second-most on the team, and one forced fumble. He finished the year with five double-digit tackle outings.
 
Larsen, who was named the MW Defensive Player of the Week twice and the MW Special Teams Player of the Week once during the 2023 season, finished the year ranking first in the MW and fourth in the nation with two blocked kicks, tied for first in the MW and eighth in the nation with one defensive touchdown, third in the MW and 19th in the nation with four interceptions, eighth in the MW in passes defended with 10 (0.77 pg), and eighth in the MW and 56th in the nation in tackles (7.9 pg).
 
The Paycom Jim Thorpe Award is given annually to the best defensive back in college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The 2024 preseason watchlist includes 42 of the nation's best defensive backs, representing nine conferences and two independents. A total of 15 players will be named semifinalists for the award on October 29, with finalists being announced on November 26. The winner will be announced on the ESPN live presentation of The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 12. Air Force's Tray Taylor won the award in 2023.
 
Fall Schedule
Utah State opens the 2024 season on Saturday, Aug. 31, as it hosts Robert Morris and begins Mountain West play at Boise State on Saturday, Oct. 5.
 
Ticket Information
Season tickets and mini-plans for the 2024 season are on sale now. Purchase your tickets today to guarantee your seat for the return of the 'Battle of the Brothers' on Saturday, September 14th. To purchase visit utahstateaggies.com or call the ticket office at 435-797-0305.
 
Follow
Fans can follow the Aggie football program at twitter.com/USUFootball or on Facebook at Utah State Football, as well as on Instagram at instagram.com/USUFootball. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program at twitter.com/USUAthletics or on Facebook at Utah State University Athletics.
 
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