 TOLEDOROCKETS.NETYour source for information on Rocket Football! |
TOLEDOROCKETS.NETYour source for information on Rocket Football! |
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By Brian Nowicki  DaJuane Collins was part of the Rockets' 2005 recruiting class. DaJuane is from Deptford Township, NJ. He was rated three stars and the 50th best running back in the country by the Rivals Recruiting Service. He had several offers from BCS schools. According to Rivals.com and Scout.com, he received over 50 offers. Schools like Penn State, Minnesota, Purdue, Boston College, Wisconsin, Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Louisville, Maryland, North Carolina State, and North Carolina offered DaJuane. Only Toledo and Minnesota guaranteed to him that he would be a running back though, and that was where his heart was. He visited both schools, and eventually chose to attend Toledo.After redshirting last year, and playing on the scout team, DaJuane Collins is ready to breakout this season. He is currently battling with junior Jalen Parmele and sophomore Richard Davis for the starting running back position. However, no matter where he ends up on the depth chart, he will see a lot of playing time this fall. I recently had the opportunity to interview DaJuane, and the below Q&A is the meat and bones of that interview. |
DaJuane Collins Q & A What attracted you to the University of Toledo?DaJuane - Most schools were recruiting me for defense, but in my heart I really wanted to play offense. That was one of the main factors that really brought me to the University of Toledo. Last year Trinity Dawson took you under his wing. I even heard some of the players calling you "Little Trinity." What did you take from that experience? DaJuane - He told me to take everything day by day and one step at a time. When you're out there you gotta slow the game down and bring it to your speed. Let everything happen naturally and be a playmaker. How comfortable are you with the offense after a year in the program? DaJuane - I feel real comfortable with the offense. Last year I sat back and watched the other guys play, so I got a chance to get a little bit bigger, faster, and stronger. I have learned the offense really indepth. What are your impressions of Head Coach Tom Amstutz? DaJuane - Coach Stutz is a great guy and he does everything he can to make our program better. Every year he brings new things into the mix. He gives us the inspiration to go out there and try to add to the tradition here. What can you tell me about the other running backs on the team? DaJuane - Each one brings something different to the table. We're always gonna have fresh legs in the game. What do you think are your strengths as a running back? DaJuane - I can lower my shoulder and bring the pain, or I can make a move and make you miss in the open field. What do you like to do when you are not on the football field? DaJuane - Just relax and play video games. I like to play the NCAA and Madden games. It's fun playing as myself in the NCAA game. Have a question or comment for Brian? Email |