It's been an emotional nine months for the University of Virginia. Last November, an on-campus shooting claimed the lives of three football players: Devin Chandler, Lavel Davis Jr. and D'Sean Perry.
Christopher Darnell Jones, who spent a year as a walk-on for the football team, allegedly opened fire on a bus following a class field trip. Jones is facing numerous charges including three counts of second-degree murder. The Cavaliers finished 3-7 and canceled their final two games last season.
Running back Mike Hollins was one of two people wounded in the shooting. He not only survived but is making a comeback that would inspire anyone, even if you're not a Cavaliers fan.
When team practices resumed last spring, Hollins participated, even scoring a touchdown in the spring game.
Before Virginia's season-opening 49-13 loss Sept. 2 to Tennessee, Hollins led the team out of the tunnel before the game, and rushed for -7 yards.
Hollins, a senior from Baton Rouge who started the season as the Cavaliers' No. 2 running back, scored a touchdown in Virginia's Sept. 9 game against James Madison.
Virginia, after spotting a 14-0 Dukes early lead, fought back to within three after Hollins took the ball on 2nd-and 2, found a hole, shook off several JMU defenders and scored from four yards out.
Things you need to see today, a Mike Hollins TD
?: ESPNU | #GoHoos pic.twitter.com/EoeX8ym2rt
— Virginia Football (@UVAFootball) September 9, 2023
After Virginia starting quarterback Tony Muskett left with an injury, freshman quarterback Anthony Colandrea took over, making his second career collegiate appearance.
But the real story is Hollins, who continues his long road back after a life-altering tragedy. His performance on the field takes a back seat to something much more important: he's back.
