Miami Hurricanes: Bubba Bolden named to Jim Thorpe Award Watch List

Award watch list season continues, and the Miami Hurricanes have another representative on a list released Monday. Safety Bubba Boldin was named to the Jim Thorpe Award Watch List, which recognizes the best safety in college football.

This is Bolden’s second appearance on an award list, having been named to the  Bednarik Award Watch List as a candidate for the best defensive player.

Bolden looks to build off strong year

Bolden played well for Miami last season, recording 74 total tackles in 2020. He had several games in which he recorded multiple tackles, including a 13-tackle performance against UNC. He also recorded a sack on the year, and was one of the most physical defensive players for the Hurricanes. Perhaps most impressive out of all his statistics last season was the four forced fumbles on the year.

Now, he looks to be an integral part of the Miami defensive unit once again. He certainly brings a physical edge to the Miami defense. That physical edge is certainly welcome, and will be tested early. With the Miami Hurricanes opening against Alabama in Week 1 this will certainly be a test defensively. Despite Alabama losing several key players from last year, they should still be a relatively tough test

Bolden headlines a safety position that is talented but unproven. Names like James Williams will certainly have their time to shine. For now, it is going to be up to Bolden to lead the defense at the safety spot.

He certainly has as good a shot as anybody to win this award. For Bolden., it’s going to be more about consistency. If he can play consistent throughout the course of the season, he could be in line for some of these awards at the end of the year. His experience and play style will lend itself to playmaking opportunities. We have seen it throughout his Miami career, and 2021 should be no different.