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By Brian Nowicki  Redshirt freshman running back DaJuane Collins had his first run of his college career last Saturday against McNeese State. By the time the game was over Collins had rushed the ball 8 times for 91 yards and 2 touchdowns.Collins, 5-10 and 200 pounds, is from Deptford high school in Westville, New Jersey. He ran for 1,841 yards and 19 TDs as a senior in high school. He was rated the #50 running back prospect in the nation and rated three stars by Rivals.com for the 2005 recruiting class. He had offers from Toledo, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Maryland, Purdue, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Boston College, Syracuse, and Louisville. He only took official visits to Toledo and Minnesota, before selecting the Rockets. I recently talked to DaJuane Collins, resulting in the below Q & A. |
DaJuane Collins Q & A What went through your mind when you got your first carry (3 yard gain) of your college career Saturday night?DaJuane - The first carry I was kind of excited to be out there. When I saw the play being signalled in I saw that it was a run so I just knew that I had to hold the ball up high and tight so that I didn't mess up on my first carry. I got a little over-excited and I tried to make a big play on my first carry when I should have just planted and got vertical to get a couple of extra yards, but overall it was good for my first carry. Your first touchdown run, a 31 yard bolt, was one for the highlight reel. Tell me about that run? DaJuane - I got the ball and went towards the sideline. When the defender wrapped me up I just put down my head and kept my legs pumping and did whatever I could so they wouldn't bring me down. After I broke through the tackles I knew there was nothing that was going to stop me from getting to the endzone. Were you nervous Saturday night knowing that you were going to see playing time? DaJuane - I was more excited than nervous. I talked to my dad the night before the game and he said just be ready for when they call your name, take it one play at a time, and just stay relaxed. When you were in high school, what attracted you to the University of Toledo? DaJuane - The biggest factor was that the coaches were good guys that I really liked. When I came for my visit it felt warm like it was home for me. They asked me to play running back and in my heart that was what I wanted to do. I wanted to be around a good group of coaches and a bunch of guys that would make me feel like home I also wanted someone that would give me the opportunity to play offense and the chance to play early. Safety Jeff Green is also from Deptford? DaJuane - We lived about 45 seconds away from each other, so we've been friends since I moved to Deptford in the third grade. Were you and Jeff recruited together? DaJuane - The ironic thing about it is that when Coach Devlin (former offensive line coach) came in he came to recruit Jeff. He just started talking to me, but he didn't really think I was interested in coming to a MAC school. But when he started telling me about it and everything, things sounded really nice to me. I said well their on TV a lot and they're winning a lot and that is what I was looking for. I wanted to go somewhere that would get the TV time and would get good exposure, so I came out here on a visit. He (Devlin) called me up and I told him that I wanted to come visit and everything worked out. What did you learn from Trinity Dawson last year? DaJuane - Last year Trinity was my "Big Brother" so I talked to him a lot. He just told me that you have to stay focused, learn the offense, and get bigger, faster, and stronger. Then when you get the chance to shine, just take full advantage of it. What's your favorite sports team? DaJuane - Jacksonville Jaguars. I like them a lot. What do you like to do when you are not on the football field? DaJuane - I like to just hang out with my roommates, Jeff (Green) and Pat Dawson, and play games and watch TV. What is your favorite movie? DaJuane - The Wood. Have a question or comment for Brian? Email |