Mike Hollins, Blake Corum, Jacob Dobbs named Comeback Players of the Year

The three Comeback Players of the Year were named for the 2023 campaign: Virginia running back Mike Hollins, Michigan running back Blake Corum and Holy Cross linebacker Jacob Dobbs, according to Brett McMurphy.

Hollins is the big noteworthy winner after last season. On November 13th, 2022, Hollins and four others were shot on a chartered bus returning from a class trip.

Hollins and another student survived, but three Virginia players: Devin Chandler, D’Sean Perry and Lavel Davis Jr. passed away.

Following a four-month recovery, Hollins returned to action and played in Virginia’s spring game. He eventually contributed in 11 games this season.

He finished the season with 80 carries for 274 yards, seven touchdowns, 10 caches, 34 receiving yards and one touchdown reception.

As a member of the Class of 2019, Hollins was a three-star recruit out of Baton Rouge (La.) University Lab, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 25 overall prospect in the state, the No. 66 running back in the class and the No. 807 overall prospect in the class.

Corum dealt with injuries down the stretch for the Wolverines in 2022 but earned his portion of the Comeback Player of the Year Award. Retaking the mantle of starting running back, Corum helped Michigan to another Big Ten title and back to the College Football Playoff.

This year, Corum ran 218 times for 1,028 yards, 24 touchdowns, 4.7 yards per carry, 14 catches and 82 receiving yards.

As a member of the Class of 2020, Corum was a four-star recruit out of Laurel (M.D.) St. Frances Academy, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 6 overall prospect in the state, the No. 11 running back in the class and the No. 117 overall prospect in the class.

The final Comeback Player of the Year is Dobbs, a four-time captain at Holy Cross. A season ending injury ended what was supposed to be a great senior year in 2022.

Granted a fifth year, Dobbs made the most of it. This year, he has 122 total tackles, 64 solo tackles, five sacks and two forced fumbles.

Dobbs was not ranked per the On3 Industry Ranking, but after this stellar season, he entered the NCAA transfer portal on November 30th.