College Football: Players set to make a comeback in 2023
By Rory Daniels
American Football and injuries go hand-in-hand. One of the most physical sports in the world inevitably leads to the player’s bodies crumbling. Each season both college football and the NFL is marred by serious injuries to star players. Here, we’re going to take a look at five guys who will all be looking to bounce back from injury and have career years.
Maason Smith, Defensive Tackle - LSU
The former 5-star prospect was primed for a big year last season, only for it to be ended after a handful of snaps in week 1. Smith tore his ACL celebrating a teammates’ tackle in the first quarter against Florida State.
His imposing size of 6’6 and 310lbs and ability to rush from the interior make him a formidable prospect. Both he and linebacker Harold Perkins will be must-watch in this exciting LSU defense.
Tykee Smith, Safety - Georgia
Another Smith but a slightly different story. Tykee’s injury came in 2021, his first year as a Georgia Bulldog having transferred from West Virginia.
First, Smith broke his foot in preseason before tearing his ACL midseason. That derailment proved difficult to overcome and Smith failed to work himself into a starting role in a stacked Georgia defense last season.
Now a fifth year senior, Smith has spotted a chance. He looks set to play either in the slot or at safety. At either position, Tykee Smith is expected to get much more playing time to showcase his skills.
Edefuan Ulofoshio, Linebacker - Washington
Washington linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio was in my top-5 players at the position in summer scouting last year. In his first three years with the Huskies, he had shown himself to be a sideline-to-sideline, physical thumper. Up until 2022 his missed tackle rate had never gone higher than 5.6%.
Then disaster struck. An arm injury took away his last six games of 2021 and a torn ACL saw him miss the opening 8 games of 2022. After his return, he looked a shadow of what he is capable of. Now, with a full offseason expect him to comeback and spearhead the Washington defense.
Isaiah Neyor, Wide Receiver - Texas
There is plenty of buzz around the Texas Longhorns this year. A legitimate quarterback and one of the deepest rosters they have had in a long time. However, one name keeps getting overlooked. Isaiah Neyor transferred from Wyoming in 2021, off the back of an eleven touchdown season. Only for him to suffer a torn ACL in fall camp.
Although there will be plenty of competition for receptions with the likes of Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington, Neyor is long and quick. He has the size to be a dominant outside receiver and should become one of Quinn Ewers’ favourite targets.
Isaac Rex, Tight End - BYU
To date Isaac Rex is best known as one of Zach Wilson’s most reliable pass catchers in the BYU 2020 offense. Rex recorded 333 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman. In 2021, his season was shortened when he suffered a severe ankle injury and was doubtful to play in 2022.
Rex made a remarkable recovery but didn’t look like the same player from two seasons ago. Now, he will have a new quarterback in Kedon Slovis as the Cougars make the move to the Big 12. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Rex get a heavy workload and much more media appreciation in 2023.
