Kansas football running back Daniel Hishaw Jr. named to Comeback Player of the Year Watch List
Kansas football running back Daniel Hishaw Jr. was named to the Comeback Player of the Year Preseason Watch List.
A season-ending hip injury halted what could have been a breakout season for Daniel Hishaw Jr., but the Kansas Jayhawks tailback is in line to break out of his shell this year. He was listed as one of 67 student-athletes on the Comeback Player of the Year Preseason Watch List and the only one from KU. And a week prior, he was named to the Doak Walker Award Preseason Watch List, which is given to the top running back in NCAA Division I FBS.
Once committed to Les Miles’ Jayhawks in 2019, Hishaw has had difficulty staying on the field. After recording 257 scrimmage yards and scoring a pair of touchdowns as a freshman, he missed what would have been his second year due to a similar hip ailment. He came into his redshirt sophomore season strongly, averaging more than 50 rushing yards per game and putting himself on the map with a ridiculous 73-yard catch and run touchdown against Duke. With high expectations heading into this season, he will look to avoid injuries and become the player KU coaches know he can be.
Although he sits behind Devin Neal in a crowded running back room, position coach Jonathan Wallace has found ways to utilize all of his players effectively. He will also compete with Georgia Tech transfer Dylan McDuffie – who once ran for 1,000 yards at the collegiate level – for snaps. If Hishaw continues to improve, there might be games in which he receives more touches than Neal.
About the Comeback Player of the Year award
The Comeback Player of the Year award, which was introduced in 2018, is annually given to college football players who have battled back from hardship, whether that be injuries or personal reasons. With all of the health struggles Hishaw has undergone, he would be a logical choice for the award if he performs up to par.
At the end of each season, a group of panelists come together and select the three most worthy candidates for the award. Notable past awardees include Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and Aidan Hutchinson.
More Kansas football watch list award news
Daniel Hishaw Jr. was not the only player recently named to a preseason watch list. Jalon Daniels appeared on the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award Watch list, and he and five other Jayhawks were listed on the Senior Bowl Watch List (Craig Young, Dominick Puni, Kenny Logan Jr., Luke Grimm, Mike Novitsky).
dark. Next. Predicting KU’s offensive line starters for Week 1
Follow @ThroughThePhog on Twitter and like our page @throughthephog on Facebook for more Kansas and Big 12 football coverage.