QUENTIN — Former Franklin County standout Jamie Collins announced this weekend he will return to Southern Miss for his senior season.
The 6-foot-4-inch, 245-pound hybrid linebacker/defensive end made his decision after carefully weighing his options during the last two weeks.
“It’s still some things I need to do and get better at,” Collins said. “I’m looking toward the future, and I just think this is the best decision for me.”
Collins received a preliminary draft grade as a third- round prospect in the 2012 Draft by Sports Illustrated NFL Draft expert Tony Pauline. He has yet to receive a draft grade by the NFL Draft Advisory Board. Underclassmen have until Jan. 15 to declare for the NFL Draft.
“He’s a dynamic prospect that comes with large upside,” Pauline said. “Jamie Collins has taken his game to another level since moving from the secondary to outside linebacker and now has scouts buzzing. He’s a terrific athlete who plays a fierce brand of football.”
Last year third round draftees signed for an average salary of $2.95 million over four years. Collins’ stock could rise even more with a strong senior season at USM.
“I’m going back down to Hattiesburg to sit down with the new coaching staff and head coach Ellis Johnson this week,” Collins said. “We’ve been texting and talking a lot on the phone. I just want to meet everybody and let them and my teammates know, too.”
Collins cited playing three different positions during the last three years as a major role in his decision to return.
“I played safety my freshmen year, then linebacker as a sophomore and both defensive end and linebacker my junior year,” Collins added. “I feel another year at the position will only make me better, plus stronger, too.”
Collins was a gifted athlete who helped lead Franklin County to its first ever State Championship in football in 2006 as an All-State quarterback and safety. He earned the nickname “Freak” at USM during the last three seasons because of his freakish athleticism. He has also become a fan favorite.
Last season Collins tallied 98 tackles with 191/2 tackles for loss. He also had seven sacks, a fumble recovery, and a 97-yard interception return for a touchdown. He runs a consistent 4.55 in the 40-yard dash and has a vertical jump of 41.2 inches. He also bench presses 350-pounds.
“If he does that type stuff at the NFL Combine with his size and frame, he’ll be a first rounder,” said Sporting News draft expert Ralph Cannon. “Another year in school under the defense coach Johnson employs will only make him better and more seasoned for the league.”
And Collins admits he knows that too.
“There are still some things I know I can do in the weight room to get stronger,” Collins said. “I’ve got some areas I need to improve in and others to sharpen up on.”
Collins’ academics also played a role in his decision. He is close to obtaining his degree in Criminal Justice.
“I’m a few hours away and that’s always something I can fall back on if football doesn’t work out,” Collins said. “My plan has always been to graduate before I leave USM.”
