In a comeback season, sophomore wideout Isaiah Weston is putting up career numbers at 699 yards and eight touchdowns through seven games in his return from a torn ACL.  Weston was able to hurdle the mental aspect of coming back from a serious injury, gaining confidence after training camp.

“It was a really great period for me to sharpen my instincts, and following camp I had a lot of confidence back because I knew my knee held up,” Weston said.

Weston has racked up high-caliber numbers this season with four 100-yard performances, including a career-high 189 receiving yards and three touchdowns against South Dakota on Saturday, Oct. 19

Fellow receiver Jaylin James recognizes Weston’s ability to return to form.

“The crazy thing about it is after a knee injury like that, you normally think he’s not going to have the step that he used to. I disagree,” James said on Panther Sports Talk.  “He can still jump out of the gym.  It’s just unreal.”

However, the comeback was a long process as the former all-state player at St. Michael-Albertville High School, just north of Minneapolis, had to work his way back from his first serious injury.

“Very frustrating being that it was my first serious injury,” Weston said.  “It was really a huge hit to me […] I would say it was probably one of the lowest points of my life, because throughout my whole career I’ve always been a three-sport athlete […] it was definitely a big learning point for me though.  This game can be taken away from anyone at anytime.”

Weston has grown an appreciation for being able to play the game, and head coach Mark Farley sees a rejuvenated player.

“I’ve seen somebody that’s hungry to play,” Farley said.  “He was always excited to play, but I’ve seen a different kind of hunger about him because he lost a year […] I think since he’s experienced what he has with his knee injury, football is more important to him, and football is fun for him.”

Weston looks to continue his strong season with big goals for the team.

“The same mentality that I had last year before I hurt myself; bring it all on the table,” Weston said.  “Make it a big year.  I just want to come out and play football, make plays and win games.  Definitely win it all.”