Stribling, Wright Make Comeback Player of the Year Award Watch List
STILLWATER – Oklahoma State wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling and linebacker Justin Wright were named to the watch list for the Comeback Player of the Year Award, the College Sports Communicators announced Wednesday in association with The Associated Press and Fiesta Bowl Organization.
With a watch list containing 90 student-athletes, the Comeback Player of the Year has recognized players for overcoming injury, illness or other circumstances since 2018. The Big 12 Conference received a dozen total selections, as Baylor and Utah matched Oklahoma State with two players on the list.
Stribling and Wright were both set to play important roles throughout 2023 before injuries cut their seasons short. Now healthy a year later, the duo has their sights set on a big 2024 campaign.
Stribling started the first four games of the season for the Cowboys, in which he racked up 14 catches for 198 yards and a touchdown against Arizona State. In his two prior seasons at Washington State, Stribling totaled over 1,000 receiving yards along with 10 touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, Wright was a three-year starter at Tulsa before his transfer to Oklahoma State. He missed every game but two in 2023, but has recorded over 250 total tackles, seven and a half sacks and four interceptions throughout his career.
At the conclusion of the season, three players will be honored as winners of the award at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.