Youth Served: Collins Junior Class Back With Talent, Experience, Depth

IT WAS A TALE OF TWO SEASONS FOR KLEIN COLLINS IN 2021 AS THE TIGERS WENT 0-4 IN NON-DISTRICT PLAY BEFORE RUNNING THE TABLE IN DISTRICT 15-6A TO TAKE THE CROWN. THE REASON? THE TIGERS WERE TREMENDOUSLY YOUNG IN THE TWO-DEEP ROSTER, BUT EXTREMELY TALENTED.

“Last season was a testament to our kids,” coach Adrian Mitchell said. “[I am proud of] their resilience and their fight to be champions.”

The Tigers return Offensive Newcomer of the Year Tucker Parks at quarterback, who has developed into a college level prospect with his size and athleticism.

Collins does it up front and unanimous first-team selection Jackson Felkins anchors the big men. He will be helped by Aven Rendon and Blake Cruz. Carrying the ball will be Michael Wilson, who came up big as a sophomore in 2021. On the outside stretching the field will be Ty Stamey, a big 6-foot-6 target with great hands.

The defensive side of the ball is Collins’ calling card. The program was built on tough, hard-nosed tackling and fundamentals.

The District Defensive Newcomer was defensive back Chris Gant, who will patrol the secondary with experienced corners Asa Brown and Eli Wyatt. Juniors Antoine Milon and Mason Faye will stuff the run up front and pressure the quarterback. Both were second teamers. The linebackers will be inexperienced, but Bryce Adeokun and Gage Luellen should defend the middle of the field.

Collins will be the district favorites after warming up against Dawson and Summer Creek.

“Our staff and players take a lot of pride in representing the brand of Klein Collins,” Mitchell said. “They believe in our ‘For My Brothers’ mantra and that the swoosh on their chest is something bigger than themselves.”