Collins commits to Auburn
Published Wednesday, July 16, 2008
MEADVILLE — Franklin County All-State quarterback Jamie Collins has a shoe box full of college recruiting letters, but right now the only one he’s keeping is from the Auburn Tigers.
Collins, a rising senior and a three-sport standout at Franklin County verbally committed to Auburn Monday night after weighing offers from Ole Miss, Southern Miss, Tulane and Alcorn State.
He has received heavy interest over the last month from Michigan, LSU, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi State.
“Auburn was recruiting me the hardest,” said the 6-4, 210-pound Collins. “I liked the coaches and the school. It’s a good program.”
Annually a Top 25 powerhouse, the Tigers recruited Collins primarily as a defensive back. He has doubled as a starter at quarterback and safety for the Bulldogs over the last two years, leading them to the 3A State finals in back to back seasons.
The Bulldogs won the 3A Championship in 2006, beating Nettleton 23-13. Collins accounted for three touchdowns in the game, and also picked off three passes.
Franklin County lost to Louisville last year in the finals 21-7. Collins scored the Bulldogs only TD in the game.
“I feel good about my decision,” said Collins about committing to the Tigers.
He committed eight months prior to National Signing Day, when he can officially sign his letter of intent with the college of his choice.
Last season Collins, accounted for 29 touchdowns, rushing for 1,253 yards and passing for 959 yards.
Collins was one of 270 rising seniors across the country to attend the Auburn senior football mini-camp last weekend. He joins returning Co-Lin defensive linemen Nick Fairly and Wilfred Journet as Auburn commitments.
Both Fairly and Journet pledged to Auburn in May.
Each signed with the Tigers out of high school, but went to junior college instead.