The AP/CSC Comeback Player of the Year semifinalist is Alabama defensive end Justin Eboigbe.
Despite missing most of the previous season due to a spinal injury, the redshirt senior ranks third on the team in both tackles and sacks.
In conjunction with the Fiesta Bowl on Wednesday morning, the Associated Press and College Sports Communicators announced that Justin Eboigbe, a redshirt senior at Alabama, has been named a semifinalist for the Associated Press/College Sports Communicators Comeback Player of the Year Award.
After having his 2022 season cut short after four games due to a spine injury, Eboigbe has been a vital starter for the Alabama defense this year. With 52 tackles in 2023—including 10.5 for loss and six sacks—he is tied for third place on the squad.
Earlier this month, Eboigbe remarked, “Just looking at the year in review man, it’s been long road, a tough road.” Many battles—both physical and mental—along the road to recovery. Not knowing what the future holds, I am unsure if I will be able to play football again and how I will recover from my injury before returning to the field.
and simply appreciating the results of my efforts and the time invested. Though I know I still have work to do, everything that has happened has been something I am proud of. However, I am aware that I continue to work hard, and I use that as inspiration given where I was a year ago.”
Eboigbe is one of the 15 semifinalists for the award, which has been given annually since 2018 to honor student-athletes in college football across all divisions for their achievements in overcoming illness, injury, or other challenges. Comeback Player of the Year Award winners at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl are chosen at the end of each college football season by a panel of writers, editors, and sports information directors. Three student-athletes are recognized in this way.
