UNIVERSITY PARK, PA (U-WIRE) -- For the second consecutive year, Penn State cornerback Alan Zemaitis has been named to the watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is presented to the nation's top defensive back.

A senior tri-captain, Zemaitis is one of four Big Ten student-athletes on the 36-player list.

Zemaitis previously had been named to the watch lists for the Bednarik Award and Nagurski Trophy, presented to the nation's top defensive player. He also earned second team all-Big Ten honors the past two years.

Zemaitis is a two-year starter and last season made 47 tackles (35 solo), two interceptions and six pass break-ups.

He broke Penn State and Big Ten records in 2003 with his 207 interception return yards on four picks.

He also tied for fourth in the conference in interceptions and was among the tops in the nation.

Two other recent Penn State nominees, David Macklin (1999) and James Boyd (2000), were Thorpe Award semifinalists.

(C) 2004 Daily Collegian via U-WIRE