CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Illinois football players Stars Zakhari Franklin and Josh McCray named to 2024 Comeback Player Preseason watch List.
University of Illinois athletes Zakhari Franklin and Josh McCray have been named to the 2024 Comeback Player of the Year preseason watch list. This recognition, awarded by the College Sports Communicators in association with the Associated Press and the Fiesta Bowl, highlights the resilience and determination of college football players who have overcome significant challenges.
Established in 2018, the Comeback Player of the Year Award honors college football athletes who have triumphed over injuries, illnesses, or other adversities. Each year, a panel of college football writers, editors, and sports information directors vote to select three outstanding players for this accolade, recognized at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
Wide Receiver Zakhari Franklin transferred to Illinois in the summer of 2024 with a single year of eligibility remaining. He enters the season as the NCAA’s active career leader in receptions (266), receiving yards (3,386), and receiving touchdowns (38). Despite playing only four games during his senior year at Ole Miss, Franklin recorded four catches for 38 yards and a touchdown. Previously, Franklin was a four-year starter at UTSA from 2019 to 2022. During his tenure, he appeared in 46 games and earned a 2022 Phil Steele All-America honorable mention and three All-Conference USA selections. He left UTSA as the program’s record holder for receptions, receiving yards, receiving yards per game, 100-yard games, and receiving touchdowns. Franklin’s 38 career receiving touchdowns rank him 21st all-time in NCAA FBS history.
Running Back Josh McCray endured challenging seasons, playing in only nine games over the past two years due to injuries. Despite these setbacks, McCray’s rookie season in 2021 showcased his potential where he ranked second on the team in carries (112) and rushing yards (549). His freshman year included a standout performance against #7 Penn State, where he rushed for 142 yards, the highest by an Illini true freshman against a ranked opponent. In 2023, McCray was named to the Doak Walker Award watch list and Athlon’s Preseason All-Big Ten third team. His freshman year also included a career-high 156 rushing yards on 24 attempts against Purdue and Illinois victory team MVP against Nebraska.
Recent Honorees include Blake Corum (RB, Michigan), Jacob Dobbs (LB, Holy Cross), and Mike Hollins (RB, Virginia).