LOGAN, Utah — Utah State football players Lawrence Falatea (fall-uh-tay-uh) and Spencer Petras have been named to the preseason watch list for the 2024 Comeback Player of the Year Award presented by the College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA) in association with The Associated Press (AP) and the Fiesta Bowl Organization.
 
Petras, a 6-5, 230-pound quarterback from San Rafael, California (Marin Catholic HS/Iowa) sat out the 2023 season due to injury while at Iowa. Prior to the 2023 campaign, Petras had played in 37 career games with 31 starts, compiling a 20-11 record as the Hawkeyes starting quarterback. For his career, he has completed 468-of-825 (.567) passes for 5,199 yards with 24 touchdowns and 19 interceptions, while also rushing for 11 scores. Petras started all 12 games during the 2022 campaign, as he helped Iowa to an 8-5 record and an appearance in the Music City Bowl. For the season, he was 157-of-281 (.559) passing for 1,725 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions. Petras has also been named to the 2025 Shrine Bowl 1000 Watchlist.
 
Falatea, a 6-foot-4, 240-pound defensive end from Sandy, Utah (Alta HS/Washington State), also sat out the entire 2023 season due to injury while at Washington State. As a redshirt freshman in 2022, Falatea appeared in all 13 games, recording 10 tackles with 1.5 for loss and one sack, also adding one forced fumble. 
 
Beginning in 2018, the award has recognized college football student-athletes for overcoming injury, illness or other circumstances. The 2024 watch list features 90 athletes from 68 schools who are currently under consideration for the award. A panel will select three winners at the conclusion of the season who will be honored at the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona.
 
Fall Schedule
Utah State opens the 2024 season on Saturday, Aug. 31, as it hosts Robert Morris and begins Mountain West play at Boise State on Saturday, Oct. 5.
 
Ticket Information
Season tickets and mini-plans for the 2024 season are on sale now. Purchase your tickets today to guarantee your seat for the return of the 'Battle of the Brothers' on Saturday, September 14th. To purchase visit utahstateaggies.com or call the ticket office at 435-797-0305.
 
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Fans can follow the Aggie football program with behind the scenes content and coverage on social media through X, Instagram and Facebook, along with visiting www.utahstateaggies.com. 
 
 - USU -