Nebraska senior cornerback Ciante Evans is one of 48 defensive backs named Friday to the 2013 watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award.

The 5-11, 190-pound Evans is the leader of the Nebraska secondary and one of the most versatile defensive backs in the country. Evans has seen his most extensive action as Nebraska’s nickel back during his career, but also lines up in a normal cornerback role when the Huskers are in a base 4-3 defense.

In 2012, Evans started 12 of 14 games and finished the season with 56 tackles, including 38 solo stops. He added eight pass breakups on the year and had an interception against Idaho State that he returned 29 yards for a touchdown. Evans had six games with five or more tackles in 2012. For his play, Evans was a first-team All-Big Ten choice by CBS Sports.com and ESPN.com and was an honorable-mention All-Big Ten pick by the league’s coaches.

Evans made 33 tackles as a sophomore in 2011, and played in eight games as a true freshman in 2010.

The Thorpe Award was established in 1986 and is given to the nation’s top defensive back. Three finalists for the award will be named in late November and the winner will be announced at the Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 12.