Multiple Irish Players, Brian Kelly Join Preseason Award Watch Lists

Nov 8, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish safety Max Redfield (10) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Arizona State defeated Notre Dame 55-31. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Jim Thorpe Award – Max Redfield – Safety

Not a knock against Redfield, but it may come as a surprise to many that Kei’varae Russell wasn’t selected as a preseason candidate for defensive back of the year. So what does that mean for the third-year safety? After a solid year starting at safety, Redfield is expected to explode onto the scene and make a much larger impact this season. He was second on the team in tackles with 68 to go along with an interception last season.