Fresh off a superb freshman season, Purdue football sophomore Dillon Thieneman finds himself on several preseason award watch lists heading into the 2024 season.
This week, the 2023 Big Ten Freshman of the Year found himself on the Jim Thorpe Award Watch List, which is presented to the best defensive back in college football. That came on the heels of being named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, which is awarded to the top defensive player.
Thieneman is in rare air, as no Purdue football player has won the Jim Thorpe Award since it was introduced in 1986. The same goes for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, as no Purdue football player has won that award either.
Thieneman ready for upcoming season
A season ago, Thieneman wasted little time showing what he could do, as he recorded 10 tackles and an interception in a season opening loss to Fresno State. Last year, he finished with 106 tackles, forced two fumbles and snagged six interceptions for Purdue football. Against Syracuse, he finished with a season high 14 tackles and against Indiana, he finished with eight stops and two interceptions.
In addition to earning the Big Ten Freshman of the Year honor, Thieneman was also named the FWAA Defensive Freshman of the Year, earned third team All-American status by the Associated Press and was a second team All-Big Ten honoree.
Speaking to the media after the start of fall practice, Thieneman said he is looking forward to this season and not having to make a name for himself.
“It is definitely different coming in. I don’t have to make a name for myself, but that doesn’t mean anything changes. I’m very appreciative of the preseason accolades but it doesn’t mean anything yet,” Thieneman said.
As for expectations this season, Thieneman said he will continue to do what he has done to help Purdue football win.
“More of a leader on the defense,” he said.
Purdue football opens the 2024 season on Aug. 31 at Ross-Ade Stadium against Indiana State.
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