University of Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim was named a semifinalist for the 2022 Comeback Player of the Year Award today. The award is presented annually by the College Sports Communicators in association with The Associate Press and the Fiesta Bowl Organization.
Ibrahim is one of 15 semifinalists and the award recognizes college football student-athletes from all divisions of college football for overcoming injury, illness, or other circumstances. In a vote by a panel of AP writers, editors, sports information directors, and Fiesta Bowl Organization representatives, three college football student-athletes will be honored as 2022 Comeback Player of the Year Award winners.
Ibrahim suffered a season-ending injury in the first game of the 2021 season. He was gashing the Ohio State defense – 30 carries for 163 yards and two touchdowns against the Buckeyes – before leaving the game in the third quarter with a devastating injury that would sideline him for the rest of the season.
After surgery and months of rehab, Ibrahim returned for the 2022 season and put up All-American numbers. He rushed 304 times for 1,594 yards and 19 touchdowns in 11 games en route to being named First Team All-Big Ten. According to Pro Football Focus, Ibrahim led the nation in yards after contact with 1,065 and he averaged 144.9 yards per game.
Ibrahim is one of the best ever to wear the Maroon and Gold. In 40 career games, he has rushed 851 times (fourth in school history) for 4,597 yards (second in school history) and 52 touchdowns (school record).
Semifinalists for 2022 Comeback Player of the Year Award
Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota, RB
Payton Wilson, NC State, LB
Adrian Martinez, Kansas State, QB
Dillon Gabriel, Oklahoma, QB
Trace Ford, Oklahoma State, DE
Ronnie Bell, Michigan, WR
Chase Cunningham, Middle Tennessee, QB
Jyaire Shorter, North Texas, WR
Marist Liufau, Notre Dame, LB
Kyle Pugh, Northern Illinois, LB
Justin Flowe, Oregon, LB
Laitu Latu, UCLA, LB
Michael Penix Jr, Washington, QB
Ventrell Miller, Florida, LB
Ray Davis, Vanderbilt, RB
(info and photo courtesy of Gopher Sports)