University of Florida safety Matt Elam (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.) has been named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and Jim Thorpe Award watch lists, announced by their respective organizations. This marks the second-consecutive year that Elam has been on the Jim Thorpe Award watch list.

Elam, a 5-10, 210-pound junior, was one of five Gators to play in and start every game in 2011. He led the team in tackles for loss (11.0), pass breakups (seven), and forced fumbles (two). In addition, Elam finished ranked second on the team with 78 tackles last season.

The Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. native joins fellow Gator Sharrif Floyd (Philadelphia, Pa.) on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List, which is awarded to the nation’s top defensive player by the Football Writers Association of America and the Charlotte Touchdown Club. A player of the week will be selected every week during the season and five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy will be announced on November 15.

The Jim Thorpe Award is presented annually to the top defensive back in college football. The preseason watch list includes 35 of the top defensive backs in the country representing 11 conferences. With five players on the list, the Southeastern Conference leads all conferences in nominees. This year’s winner will be announced at The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 6 on ESPN.