CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 SPORTS) -- Through the unexpected ups and downs of his high school career Monticello Senior Running back Selorm Kartey has seen the opportunity in everything.

"Everything happens for a reason," said running back Selorm Kartey, "It's kind of on you to make the best of your opportunities, so whatever you're given you just have to make the best of it and grind towards what you want."

After the pandemic canceled the fall season Selorm set his eyes on the Covid abbreviated spring season, earning himself the starting running back position as a sophomore. But on the first play of the season, everything came crashing down.

"That first play, having that happen it was a terrible thing to see," said Monticello football coach Matt Hicks, "It was one of those things you hate to see as a coach."

Selorm suffered an ACL and Meniscus tear, forcing him to miss the rest of the season as well as the next fall.

"I would say I was a little angry from here to there, not being able to help the team like on the field, but it was just a circumstance that was out of my hands, had to do what i was able to do and control what I was able to control"

On the sidelines Selorm focused on his recovery, and patiently awaited his next opportunity.

"Many people look at it as a downfall," started Kartey, "But I found it as an opportunity to be able to fully develop myself to be able to take advantage of my situation."

"His attitude and the person he is and what he brought to that situation really as kind of an inspiration to our guys," explained Hicks.

Finally after 3 years of being sidelined Selorm finally made his return to the field, and it didn't disappoint.

"That opening hand off we call a play he goes up the middle, it's an 85 yard touchdown run and you can just see our entire team light up," said Hicks, "His success and the energy he brings it something that definitely moves and drives our team."

In his first two games back Selorm rushed for 229 yards and the season is far from over.

"I gotta go for it," said Kartey, "I gotta leave everything on the board. This is my last opportunity so might as well give it my all."