July 14, 2008

BOCA RATON, FL

Florida Atlantic University cornerbacks Corey Small and Tavious Polo are among 40 players named to the Jim Thorpe Award Watch List. First presented in 1986, the award annually recognizes the best defensive back in the country.

Senior Corey Small, a native of Naples, had a magnificent 2007 season that was illuminated with a Second Team All-Sun Belt honor. Small's stellar season was statistically strong with 103 tackles with 3.5 of those for a loss, five interceptions, 10 pass breakups, one fumble forced and a fumble recovery.

Tavious Polo, a redshirt sophomore from Fort Lauderdale, had a remarkable freshman year that gained national notoriety. His 53 solo tackles, seven interceptions and two pass breakups led to Polo being named First Team All-Sun Belt and Freshman All-American by the Football Writer's Association. Polo's seven interceptions are an FAU single-season record and tied for No. 6 nationally in 2007.

Small and Polo also led the nation for cornerback duos in interceptions with a combined total of 12. They also were part of a defensive unit that led the nation much of the season in interceptions, finishing No. 3 and helping to build a consecutive-game interception streak of 20.

The award is named after Jim Thorpe who was a multi-sport ace, Olympic champion, two-time consensus All-American and professional football player during the early 1900s. The 2008 Jim Thorpe Award winner will be announced at the ESPNU Home Depot College Football Awards Show in Orlando on December 11.


FAU will open the 2008 season at the University of Texas on Saturday, August 30, and the home season on September 6 at 4 p.m. Season and individual tickets are now available. For more information, contact 1-866-FAU-Owls or at the FAU Athletic Ticket Office.