MIAMI — FIU football's standout defensive back Shamir Sterlin was named to the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award's Preseason Watch List on Wednesday, of which recognizes the top defensive backs in the country.

Sterlin, a redshirt sophomore from Port St. Lucie, shined is his first full season as a Panther in 2025, earning a spot on the CUSA All-Freshman Team along with an Honorable Mention selection to the All-CUSA squad. The Treasure Coast prep racked up 65 tackles and had two interceptions, adding six pass breakups in his freshman campaign. 

He was named the CUSA Freshman of the Week following a game-changing performance against Fla. Atlantic on Sept. 15, helping to propel FIU to its first Shula Bowl win since 2018. Sterlin matched his career-high three times with ten tackles against Missouri State, Middle Tennessee and Liberty. 

Along with his on-field accolades, Sterlin has made his mark in the community as champion for community service. He has now twice been FIU's AllState AFCA Good Works Team Nominee, along with being placed on the Wuerffel Award Watchlist. As the season builds to the beginning of the 2026 campaign, Sterlin has been named Preseason First Team by Athlon Sports and also earned a nod to the CUSA Preseason Watchlist. 

About the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award
This list includes 35 of the nation's best defensive backs, representing ten conferences and one independent university. The preseason watch list is selected by a screening committee whose members compile a list of up to 50 players based on previous performance in NCAA Division I college football and preseason All-America lists.

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