The 2024 Comeback Player of the Year award watch list was announced on Wednesday and among the 89 names mentioned was Florida football junior inside linebacker [autotag]Shemar James[/autotag].
The center back led the Gators in tackles by a significant margin in 2023 before succumbing to a season-ending knee injury during warmups before the game. Georgia Bulldogs game. Still, he finished with the second-most tackles on the squad, with 55.0 in just eight games played.
James’ absence significantly impacted Florida’s ground defense, allowing an average of 73.7 more yards per game following his injury. The good news is that he is fully rehabilitated and reportedly ready for the 2024 campaign.
Prize Details
At the end of each season, in a vote by a panel of college football writers, editors and sports information directors, three college football student-athletes are honored as winners of the Comeback Player of the Year award at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
Previous CPOY winners include Blake Corum (2023), Michael Penix Jr. (2022), and Aidan Hutchinson (2021).
A full list of 2024 CPOY nominees can be found here.
Florida’s 2024 season opener
The Florida and Miami 19 Hurricanes open their schedule on August 31 in Gainesville, Florida. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 pm ET and the game will be broadcast on ABC Sports.
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This article was originally published on Gators Wire: Gators Linebacker Named to Comeback Player of the Year List
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