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University of Massachusets Athletics
Barr, Comis Named 2018-19 Michael Boland Inspirational Award Recipients
March 22, 2019 | Football
Award given to those who embody Boland's integrity, toughness and character
AMHERST, Mass. - University of Massachusetts football graduate student Bryton Barr and redshirt senior Ross Comis are the 2018-19 Michael Boland Inspirational Award recipients. The award is given annually to one offensive and one defensive player who reflect Boland's characteristics, including his hard-working attitude, determination, integrity and commitment to UMass football.
Boland was a four-year letterman for the University of Massachusetts (2013, '15-17) and a stalwart on the offensive line at right guard. He appeared in 43 career games and made 36 starts, with 32 of those as the team's right guard. He passed away suddenly at home in Maryland on Feb. 4, 2017 while preparing for the NFL Draft.
Barr, who finished his second year as the starting middle linebacker and his seventh year of college football overall in 2019, served as a team captain and led the squad in tackles. Barr totaled 105 stops, including 9.0 TFLs and 5.0 sacks. He added a forced fumble, recovered another fumble, broke up one pass and hauled in an interception as well.
Comis, also one of the team captains, appeared in 11 games and made four starts during the year. He finished a career-best 122-of-194 with 1,799 passing yards and 14 touchdowns against only three interceptions. Comis also carried the ball 86 times for 300 yards and six TDs.
Prior recipients include Adam Breneman and Steve Casali in 2017 and Andy Isabella and Joe Previte in 2018.
Michael Boland Inspirational Award
2017: Adam Breneman (TE), Steve Casali (LB)
2018: Andy Isabella (WR), Joe Previte (DL)
2019: Bryton Barr (LB), Ross Comis (QB)
Boland was a four-year letterman for the University of Massachusetts (2013, '15-17) and a stalwart on the offensive line at right guard. He appeared in 43 career games and made 36 starts, with 32 of those as the team's right guard. He passed away suddenly at home in Maryland on Feb. 4, 2017 while preparing for the NFL Draft.
Barr, who finished his second year as the starting middle linebacker and his seventh year of college football overall in 2019, served as a team captain and led the squad in tackles. Barr totaled 105 stops, including 9.0 TFLs and 5.0 sacks. He added a forced fumble, recovered another fumble, broke up one pass and hauled in an interception as well.
Comis, also one of the team captains, appeared in 11 games and made four starts during the year. He finished a career-best 122-of-194 with 1,799 passing yards and 14 touchdowns against only three interceptions. Comis also carried the ball 86 times for 300 yards and six TDs.
Prior recipients include Adam Breneman and Steve Casali in 2017 and Andy Isabella and Joe Previte in 2018.
Michael Boland Inspirational Award
2017: Adam Breneman (TE), Steve Casali (LB)
2018: Andy Isabella (WR), Joe Previte (DL)
2019: Bryton Barr (LB), Ross Comis (QB)
Players Mentioned
LB
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TE
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LB
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QB
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WR
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DL
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