Kentucky’s elite edge rusher is up for a prestigious postseason honor. JJ Weaver has been nominated for Mayo Clinic Comeback Player of the Year.
Weaver has succeeded in 2021 despite obstacles on and off the field. Entering his second year of college, his father was murdered in a home invasion. Months later when Weaver was finally hitting his stride on the field, he tore his ACL against Florida. He also recently lost his high school coach, Rob Reader, to cancer.
Weaver received redemption Saturday night against the Gators. Less than a year after he injured his knee while covering Kyle Pitts, he picked off a pass intended for a Florida tight end to set up what would be the game-winning touchdown for Kentucky.