Reed Named to Comeback Player of the Year Award Watch List
10/11/2023 10:00:00 AM | Football
NEW YORK CITY – Boise State cornerback Markel Reed has been named to the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year Award Watch List, the College Sports Communicators announced in conjunction with the Associated Press and Fiesta Bowl Organization.
Reed, a redshirt senior from Temple, Texas, is one of 49 players to advance to the next stage of the watch list, which began with 100 student-athletes. He suffered a season-ending injury in the fifth game of the 2021 campaign. In those five games, he totaled 21 tackles, including 16 solo and 1.5 for loss. He recovered to start the 2022 season-opener against Oregon State but suffered another season-ending injury.
After another offseason of rehab, Reed has returned to the Bronco secondary and made an immediate impact. He has played in all six games, making four starts. Saturday's win over San Jose State marked his 30th career game and 10th career start. This season, he has nine tackles, including 0.5 for loss, as well as two pass breakups.
This is the third time in four seasons the Broncos have had a player reach an additional stage of the Comeback Player of the Year Award Watch List, with all three playing on the defensive side of the ball. In 2020, linebacker Ezekiel Noa was selected. In 2021, edge Demitri Washington earned recognition.
Since 2018, the Comeback Player of the Year Award has recognized college football student-athletes from all divisions of college football for overcoming injury, illness, or other circumstances. 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.
Reed, a redshirt senior from Temple, Texas, is one of 49 players to advance to the next stage of the watch list, which began with 100 student-athletes. He suffered a season-ending injury in the fifth game of the 2021 campaign. In those five games, he totaled 21 tackles, including 16 solo and 1.5 for loss. He recovered to start the 2022 season-opener against Oregon State but suffered another season-ending injury.
After another offseason of rehab, Reed has returned to the Bronco secondary and made an immediate impact. He has played in all six games, making four starts. Saturday's win over San Jose State marked his 30th career game and 10th career start. This season, he has nine tackles, including 0.5 for loss, as well as two pass breakups.
This is the third time in four seasons the Broncos have had a player reach an additional stage of the Comeback Player of the Year Award Watch List, with all three playing on the defensive side of the ball. In 2020, linebacker Ezekiel Noa was selected. In 2021, edge Demitri Washington earned recognition.
Since 2018, the Comeback Player of the Year Award has recognized college football student-athletes from all divisions of college football for overcoming injury, illness, or other circumstances. 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.
Players Mentioned
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FB | Spencer Danielson Postgame Press Conference, vs. EWU (Sept. 5, 2025)
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