Kentucky linebacker Josh Paschal, who missed most of last season while being treated for skin cancer, is one of the first three nominees for college football's comeback player of the year award.

Also nominated were Troy quarterback Kaleb Barker, who is returning from knee surgery, and Southern California defensive back Isaiah Pola-Mao, who has missed most of the last two seasons with shoulder injuries.

The Mayo Clinic sponsors the award, which was started year. The first FBS winner was Kent State's Antwan Dixon, who returned to action last season after being sidelined for two years by a rare blood disorder.

Winners will be selected in December at the FBS, FCS and lower divisions of college football. The Associated Press college football poll voters will help select the Division I winners.