A touching, heartwarming story out of Annapolis, Maryland — the hometown of the United States Naval Academy and, of course, its collegiate football squad.

Tago Smith, the heir apparent to one of the greatest Midshipmen quarterbacks ever — Keenan Reynolds, had his season abruptly taken away from him when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his knee in the team’s first game.

What’s more, the senior had been patient for three years behind Reynolds, and now most likely will graduate without ever getting his opportunity to play.

This from Yahoo! Sports:

Offensive coordinator Ivin Jasper after the game said he was extremely upset by Smith’s injury.

“I was afraid to look at him. I couldn’t make eye contact. I felt like I’d wronged the kid in some way,” Jasper said.

“I’m devastated, I truly am. For a young man to sacrifice three years doing what’s best for the team, and me knowing he would rather be playing slotback or returning kicks and punts. To stick it out and become the starter then something like this happens right out of the gate … it’s just tragic. I’m heartbroken.”

So, in the spirit of the team, co-captains Daniel Gonzales and Toneo Gulley will BOTH switch their jersey numerals to No. 2: Smith’s digit. A rare and awesome tribute.