Virginia Player Wounded in Deadly Attack Returns for a New Season as an Inspiration to His Teammates

Virginia Player Wounded in Deadly Attack Returns for a New Season as an Inspiration to His Teammates
Virginia running back Mike Hollins (7) runs up the middle for a gain against North Carolina during the first half of an NCAA college football game, in Charlottesville, Va., on Nov. 5, 2022. Mike Caudill/AP Photo
The Associated Press
Updated:

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.—Virginia running back Mike Hollins knows he will never be the same, and admits that the position of football on his priorities list “has shrunk.” He still can’t wait to run onto the field with his Cavaliers brothers for their opener this season.

“I can only imagine the emotions that’ll be flowing through my body. I just—I literally can’t. I have no words because the spring game hit me like a sack of rocks, and I didn’t expect it at all, so I can only imagine,” he said. “I’m ready, though. I’m ready for it.”