Despite playing in just one college football game so far, Montana State freshman linebacker Koni Dole is already making an impact for the Bobcats.

His story, struggles and recovery are an inspiration for everyone who comes into contact with him.

Dole endured a life-changing injury three seasons ago. Then a junior at Huntley Project High School, he suffered a compound fracture to his right leg that required six surgeries.

The operations proved unsuccessful.  He developed compartment syndrome as pressure built within the muscles to the point where the leg had to be amputated.

Despite what would be a crushing moment for many adults – let alone a teenager – Dole attacked the rehab process with the belief it would help him return to the football field. That included adapting to a prosthetic leg known as a “blade runner.”

Challenge accepted and overcome.

Athletic success quickly followed. In his senior year at Huntley Project, he was an all-state wrestler, ran track and played well enough in his return to football that he earned an invitation to the 2014 Montana East-West Shrine Game.

When it came time to pick a college, Dole chose to walk on at Montana State University, and on Sept. 3, he became the first amputee to ever appear in an FCS game, seeing action at the end of the Bobcats’ 45-14 season-opening win against Fort Lewis.

Dole, who is majoring in business, has said it was challenging to stick with his rehab, but he is ecstatic in the results allowing him to continue playing the game he loves.

“There were days when I wanted to give up, but I never take a day for granted,” he told the Billings Gazette. “I try to come out here with a smile on my face and have as much fun as I can.”

Bobcat head coach Rob Ash said having someone who’s experienced the things Dole has in life helps players and coaches keep some of their struggles in perspective.

“We call him the ‘excuse eliminator,’” Ash told Craig Haley of Yahoo! Sports. “Anybody that has any problem of their own just has to look at him and realize that their problem isn’t very significant compared to what he’s dealing with.”