Purdue football’s Dillon Thieneman on watch list for nation’s best defensive player

WEST LAFAYETTE — Dillon Thieneman has played just 12 games in his Purdue football career.

Already, the sophomore safety has a banner hanging in Mollenkopf Athletic Facility recognizing his All-American status as a freshman last season.

He’s been Big Ten Freshman of the Year and all-conference.

And now, preseason honors are rolling in prior to his second season in gold and black.

Purdue Boilermakers defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) watches a replay during the spring football game, Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.

On Tuesday, Thieneman was named to the Bronko Nagurski Watch List. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy is awarded by the Football Writers Association of America to the nation’s top defensive player.

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Thieneman previously was listed on the Lott IMPACT Trophy watch list for impact on and off the field, as well as being recognized as a preseason All-American by several publications.

As a freshman, Thieneman had 106 tackles, including a Big Ten-best 74 solos, and also recorded six interceptions.

Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @samueltking.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Bronko Nagurski Watch List includes Purdue’s Dillon Thieneman

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Author : Journal & Courier

Publish date : 2024-07-30 16:50:41

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