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Florida Gators linebacker Shemar James (6) walks during Gator Walk at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL on Saturday, October 28, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]
The 2024 Comeback Player of the Year Award Watch List was announced on Wednesday and among the 89 names mentioned was Florida football’s junior inside linebacker [autotag]Shemar James[/autotag].
The middle defender led the Gators in tackles by a significant margin in 2023 before succumbing to a season-ending knee injury during warm-ups ahead of the Georgia Bulldogs game. Still, he finished with the second-most tackles on the roster with 55.0 in just eight total games played.
James’ absence significantly impacted Florida’s ground defense, allowing an average of 73.7 more rushing yards per game after his injury. The good news is that he is fully rehabbed and reportedly ready for the 2024 campaign.
Award details
At the conclusion 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 Comeback Player of the Year Award winners at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
Previous winners of the CPOY include Blake Corum (2023), Michael Penix Jr. (2022) and Aidan Hutchinson (2021).
A complete list of 2024 CPOY nominees can be found here.
Florida’s 2024 season opener
Florida and the No. 19 Miami Hurricanes open their schedule on Aug. 31 in Gainesville, Florida. Kickoff time is slated for 3:30 p.m. ET and the game will be broadcast on ABC Sports.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Gators linebacker named to Comeback Player of the Year Watchlist
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/gators-linebacker-named-comeback-player-164405919.html
Author : Gators Wire
Publish date : 2024-08-08 16:44:05
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