WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue safety Dillon Thieneman collected yet another preseason All-America recognition on Monday (August 19), this time being recognized by the Associated Press (AP) as a member of the second team defense in anticipation of what many expect to be a big year for the sophomore.
Thieneman dazzled in the Boilermaker defense as a freshman, setting multiple Purdue freshman records including interceptions (6) and solo tackles (74) and earning recognition as one of the best players in the country regardless of class. Following his breakout campaign, it was the AP that gave him third team All-America accolades to make him the program's 50th All-American.
His performance wasn't just good by Purdue's standards; Thieneman's numbers made waves on a national scale. His INT and solo tackle totals both ranked third nationally, while his 74 solo tackles finished first amongst all Big Ten defenders. The 2023 Thompson-Randle El Big Ten Freshman of the Year was one of just two freshmen since 2005 to record at least 100 tackles and five interceptions.
Now with the nod from the AP, Thieneman has been named to the preseason lists for three of the five organizations that the NCAA recognizes to form consensus and unanimous All-American honors at the end of each season (Associated Press, Sporting News, Walter Camp Football Foundation).
He has also been named a Preseason All-American by Athlon Sports, Phil Steele and Pick Six Previews. Additionally, the Boilermaker is on watch lists for the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Jim Thorpe Award and the Lott IMPACT Trophy.
Thieneman and the Boilermakers kick off the 2024 season at home in Ross-Ade Stadium against Indiana State on August 31. Tickets are still on sale.
Thieneman Preseason Honors
Second Team Preseason All-America (Associated Press, Walter Camp, Sporting News, Phil Steele, Athlon Sports, Pick Six Previews)
First Team Preseason All-Big Ten (Phil Steele, Athlon Sports)
Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List
Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List
Jim Thorpe Award Watch List
Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List
Thieneman dazzled in the Boilermaker defense as a freshman, setting multiple Purdue freshman records including interceptions (6) and solo tackles (74) and earning recognition as one of the best players in the country regardless of class. Following his breakout campaign, it was the AP that gave him third team All-America accolades to make him the program's 50th All-American.
His performance wasn't just good by Purdue's standards; Thieneman's numbers made waves on a national scale. His INT and solo tackle totals both ranked third nationally, while his 74 solo tackles finished first amongst all Big Ten defenders. The 2023 Thompson-Randle El Big Ten Freshman of the Year was one of just two freshmen since 2005 to record at least 100 tackles and five interceptions.
Now with the nod from the AP, Thieneman has been named to the preseason lists for three of the five organizations that the NCAA recognizes to form consensus and unanimous All-American honors at the end of each season (Associated Press, Sporting News, Walter Camp Football Foundation).
He has also been named a Preseason All-American by Athlon Sports, Phil Steele and Pick Six Previews. Additionally, the Boilermaker is on watch lists for the Chuck Bednarik Award, the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Jim Thorpe Award and the Lott IMPACT Trophy.
Thieneman and the Boilermakers kick off the 2024 season at home in Ross-Ade Stadium against Indiana State on August 31. Tickets are still on sale.
Thieneman Preseason Honors
Second Team Preseason All-America (Associated Press, Walter Camp, Sporting News, Phil Steele, Athlon Sports, Pick Six Previews)
First Team Preseason All-Big Ten (Phil Steele, Athlon Sports)
Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List
Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List
Jim Thorpe Award Watch List
Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List