Redshirt-junior offensive lineman Drew Wilson was named a nominee for the Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year award, announced Monday.

Ten times during the 2019 college football season, three student-athletes from all levels of college football who have overcome injury, illness or any other challenges will be recognized as nominees by a panel of writers, editors and sports information directors from CoSIDA, AP and Touchdown Illustrated. 

Wilson missed the entire 2018 football season due to a detached retina in his right eye. The redshirt-juniors’s condition required four surgeries to repair. Due to the light sensitivity following the surgery, he had to take the entire Fall 2018 semester off, but was convinced that the risks of playing were minimal once he was fully recovered. 

While blind in the eye, Wilson has still played a key role this season for the Eagles. He regained his starting position and has helped the Eagles gain 223 yards rushing per game.

At the end of the season, three of the nominees will be chosen as Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year winners and will be recognized at a ceremony during the College Football Playoff Seminal.

Kaitlin Sells, The George-Anne Managing Sports Editor, gasports@georgiasouthern.edu