Georgia's Asher Allen Named To 2008 Jim Thorpe Award Watch List

ATHENS - Georgia junior defensive back Asher Allen was named to the 2008 Jim Thorpe Award Watch List, according to an announcement this week.

One of the 40 players on this preseason list will be named the nation's best defensive back following the conclusion of the 2008 season. Allen is one of only eight players from the Southeastern Conference on this year's list.

Allen, a native of Tucker, played in all 13 games in 2007, making 11 starts. He finished the year with 64 total tackles, including 50 solo stops, and recorded two quarterback sacks. He also made three interceptions and broke up five more passes. Two of his interceptions came in Georgia's 41-10 Allstate Sugar Bowl victory against No. 10 Hawaii, and was also the game's leading tackler with nine stops. As a kick returner, Allen brought back 28 kicks for a school-record 690 yards, an average of 24.6 yards per return, with a season and career-long 82-yard return against Kentucky.

Allen, along with senior defensive tackle Jeff Owens, has already been named to the 2008 Lott Trophy Watch List, which is given to the nation's top collegiate defensive player.

The Bulldogs open the season against Georgia Southern at Sanford Stadium on Aug. 30. Kickoff is slated for 12:30 p.m.