After a forced fumble against Miami on Nov. 1, Collins scooped up the loose ball just as it squirted from the pile and raced 39 yards for a touchdown. That play was the highlight of Collins’ freshman season that saw him finish with 36 tackles.
“Coming out of high school into college football, you think everyone’s stronger, faster, more physical,” Collins said. “But playing last year showed me that I could actually play with these guys.”
Now, with 17 days until the Tar Heels’ season opener against South Carolina, the sophomore from Charlotte is battling with junior linebacker Joe Jackson for the final starting outside linebacker position. After practice, Collins turns to roommate and senior linebacker Jeff Schoettmer to see how he can help his chances.
“He’s always willing to learn; he’s asking me questions every time we go back to the hotel,” Schoettmer said. “He wants to get better. He’s not satisfied with where he is.”
As a freshman, the complicated defensive scheme took a while for Collins to master, and he started slowly with only six tackles in the first seven games. This year, he sees himself fitting in well with new defensive coordinator Gene Chizik and his 4-3 scheme designed to funnel plays to the linebackers.
“Our jobs are a lot more defined. We’re more task oriented,” Collins said. “I think that’s helped me a lot learning what I’m supposed to do, what I have to take care of on the field. I prefer this scheme to what we had last year.”
Chizik’s teaching style has also been helpful for Collins and the other young defensive players expected to play for UNC this season.
“Sometimes those guys don’t fully get it until you get into the season, and that becomes the mental part of the game, which as we all know is a very critical piece of the puzzle,” Chizik said.
