Oklahoma State University Athletics
Ford Named to Comeback Player of the Year Award Watch List
October 12, 2022 | Cowboy Football
STILLWATER – Oklahoma State defensive end Trace Ford was named to the watch list for the 2022 Comeback Player of the Year award, it was announced Wednesday by the College Sports Communicators in association with The Associated Press and the Fiesta Bowl Organization.
Ford is one of 61 college football student-athletes represented on the list and one of five players from the Big 12 Conference. The award recognizes players overcoming injury, illness, or other circumstances.
In his first two seasons at Oklahoma State, Ford showed he was a top-level pass rusher with dynamic athleticism that led him to earning conference honors in both seasons. He missed the 2020 Cheez-It Bowl against Miami with injury and was re-injured in fall camp before the 2021 season that forced him to take a redshirt while he rehabbed.
He made his return to the field in Oklahoma State's season opener against Central Michigan and has played a vital role on the Cowboy defense and on special teams so far this season. Ford has consistently been disruptive to opposing offenses having recorded two tackles-for-loss, four quarterback hurries and a team-leading five pass breakups through five games. He was also named Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance against Arkansas-Pine Bluff when he blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown.
At the conclusion of the season, a panel of writers, editors and sports information directors will vote three athletes to be honored as Comeback Player of the Year Award winners. The recipients will be recognized at the College Football playoff Semifinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31.
Ford and the eighth-ranked Cowboys will travel to Fort Worth to take on No. 13 TCU in a battle of undefeated conference foes. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC.
Ford is one of 61 college football student-athletes represented on the list and one of five players from the Big 12 Conference. The award recognizes players overcoming injury, illness, or other circumstances.
In his first two seasons at Oklahoma State, Ford showed he was a top-level pass rusher with dynamic athleticism that led him to earning conference honors in both seasons. He missed the 2020 Cheez-It Bowl against Miami with injury and was re-injured in fall camp before the 2021 season that forced him to take a redshirt while he rehabbed.
He made his return to the field in Oklahoma State's season opener against Central Michigan and has played a vital role on the Cowboy defense and on special teams so far this season. Ford has consistently been disruptive to opposing offenses having recorded two tackles-for-loss, four quarterback hurries and a team-leading five pass breakups through five games. He was also named Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance against Arkansas-Pine Bluff when he blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown.
At the conclusion of the season, a panel of writers, editors and sports information directors will vote three athletes to be honored as Comeback Player of the Year Award winners. The recipients will be recognized at the College Football playoff Semifinal at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31.
Ford and the eighth-ranked Cowboys will travel to Fort Worth to take on No. 13 TCU in a battle of undefeated conference foes. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on ABC.
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