Virginia will take the field in Week 1 for the first time since the tragic on-campus shooting that resulted in the death of 3 players.

During the shooting, Lavel Davis Jr., D’Sean Perry, and Devin Chandler died while Mike Hollis survived a gunshot wound.

After an arduous rehab process, the running back returned to the field in March with a newfound perspective on life.

During a segment on the Week 1 edition of College GameDay, Hollins expresses how life has changed for him.

“There will never be a day where you won’t remember it or feel something missing from your heart,” Hollins said.

Through it all, Hollins was motivated to persevere through the adversity.

“I just feel like enough was already taken from me, so I just wasn’t going to let football be taken from me as well,” Hollins said.

Virginia head coach Tony Elliott is extremely proud of Hollins for his unselfishness after being involved in a traumatic event.

“Through the tears. Through the struggles. He’s shown up. He’s been there for his teammates,” Elliott said. ‘There’s something bigger than him that he’s working towards.”

When Hollins scored a touchdown in the spring game, it was particularly meaningful and a moment to reflect on his thankfulness.

“It was special. It was a moment I never thought I’d experience again. Just having my team there, my little brother there in the end zone. It meant the world to me,” Hollins said. “Just knowing how powerful the game can be in helping me to move forward.”

Virginia players are inspired and grateful for Hollins being back with them.

“He’s really a superhero, man,” Running back Perris Jones said. “He really is our leading way and our lighthouse, showing us where we need to go and how we’re going to get there.”

Hollins is steadfast that the best way to honor his late teammates is for Virginia to compete to the best of their abilities.

“As long as we go out there and play, we’re doing their legacy justice because we’re here,” Hollins said. “I believe that’s enough for them.”