Cavaliers Now

Virginia RB Mike Hollins Named 2023 Comeback Player of the Year

A much-deserved honor for Hollins, who was perhaps the most inspiring player in all college football this year

Matt Newton

Virginia RB Mike Hollins Named 2023 Comeback Player of the Year
Virginia RB Mike Hollins Named 2023 Comeback Player of the Year /
In this story:

Virginia running back Mike Hollins was one of three recipients of the 2023 Comeback Player of the Year Award, presented annually to college football players who overcome injury, illness, or other circumstances. The 2023 recipients of the Comeback Player of the Year Award are Hollins, Michigan running back Blake Corum, and Holy Cross linebacker Jacob Dobbs, as announced by the College Sports Communicators, the Associated Press, and the Fiesta Bowl Organization on Monday. 

Hollins survived the tragic shooting in November of 2022 that claimed the lives of his teammates Lavel Davis Jr., Devin Chandler, and D'Sean perry. He was shot twice in the back and was taken to the hospital in critical condition. After multiple surgeries and a week in the ICU, Hollins began his long road to recovery, which incredibly included a return to the football field. Hollins appeared in the UVA football spring game in April and went on to resume his role as one of Virginia's top running backs this fall, appearing in 11 games and totaling 274 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. Hollins had three touchdowns as a pivotal part of Virginia's historic upset victory on the road at then-No. 10 North Carolina on October 21st. 

This is just the latest honor Hollins has received in recognition of the inspiring journey he has been on over the last 13 months. Hollins was given the Brian Piccolo Award, presented annually to the ACC's most courageous player, as well as the Capital One Orange Bowl FWAA Courage Award. He is also one of three finalists for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, which recognizes exemplary leadership on and off the field. 

Subscribe to the Cavaliers Now Newsletter to receive UVA sports news in your inbox first thing on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

See more Virginia football news and content: Virginia Football on Sports Illustrated

See more Virginia sports news and content: Virginia Cavaliers on Sports Illustrated

To stay up to date on all Virginia Cavaliers sports news, follow CavaliersNow on social media:

Facebook: @CavaliersNow
Twitter: @CavaliersNowFN

Published
Matt Newton
MATT NEWTON

Matt launched Virginia Cavaliers On SI in August of 2021 and has since served as the site's publisher and managing editor, covering all 23 NCAA Division I sports teams at the University of Virginia. He is from Downingtown, Pennsylvania and graduated from UVA in May of 2021.

Home/Football