Rickie Collins is a class of 2023 quarterback for Woodlawn High School in Baton Rouge, LA. Even at such a young age, Collins possesses a great build for the quarterback position, standing at 6’2 and 170 lbs. An upcoming sophomore, Collins is equipped with an absolute cannon of an arm, with great touch and accuracy to make up his arm strength. If not through the air, Rickie has little problems finding open running lanes and torching defenses with his speed. It is normal for Freshman quarterbacks to have problems adjusting to the steep learning curve of the position, but watching Collins’s film, it is evident that his football IQ is beyond his years. Whether making the correct reads through the air or in the option game, Collins rarely struggles with his quick decision making. Along with an exceptional football intelligence, Rickie maintains that attitude in the classroom, boasting a 3.6 overall GPA.
What did football teach you about yourself or life once you began playing?
It showed me how to bond and build a brotherhood, and how people can become family to you.
Who or what has been your biggest motivation or role model in the sport?
My motivation is not to fail and I’ll say my role model is my grandfather. He taught me pretty much everything I know.
Do you have a favorite memory from your playing career?
My favorite memory of my whole career I’ll have to say is this year. I’ve learned so much in this past year.
Are you involved in any other sports or activities at school besides football? If so, how do you believe those experiences have helped you on the football field?
I also play basketball and baseball and it helps me on the field by adjusting to different atmospheres.
As a quarterback, what is it like being in a leadership position? What is the most rewarding aspect and what is the most challenging?
I love that pressure, I love the spotlight, I love carrying my dogs on my back. The thing I love the most about it is that I’m the person everyone comes to and when you put your teammates in position to make the big play is extremely satisfying.
Do you have a favorite athlete, college or NFL, that you look up to?
The athlete I look up to most is Deshaun Watson. Just the swagger in the leadership he brings to the games is something I try to model myself after.
What current player, college or NFL, do you believe your playstyle reflects most?
I think I play closest to pat Mahomes because he just has that unique play making ability that I possess.
Outside of sports, do you have any hobbies or passions you pursue in your free time? What about them do you enjoy most?
I just like spending time with my family and bettering myself as both an athlete and a person.
For the 2020 season, what are some personal goals that you look forward to accomplishing? Has your team set a specific set of goals for the upcoming season as well?
Some personal goals I have is sharpening my foot work, sharpening my reads. get stronger mentally and physically, and become a better teammate. We just try to make each other better and get to the dome and just build our program as a powerhouse
What advice would you give to younger football players who hope to one day play high school football?
I’d say I’m this lost breed that I bring my own little flavor to the game and I’ll tell them to get their books, stay humble, be respectful, grind and out work the next man.
Tell me a bit about the challenges of a school that has recently moved up to 5A football.
They are bigger, stronger, faster and smarter but that’s why we’re going to get bigger stronger and faster and out smart our opponents
What are some of the biggest impacts that first year head coach, Marcus Randall, has brought to the program?
Coach Randall brought this swagger and this work ethic that we all feed off of as a team. He brought an entirely different knowledge of the game being a college and professional football player. Our guys soaked up that knowledge like a sponge.
With the new Coronavirus epidemic sweeping our country, a lot of teams nationwide have not been allowed to practice during the spring. How have you guys addressed this and hope to overcome it?
We told our guys do your push ups sit ups and run your mile a day to stay strong and in shape. We also told them to up your knowledge on the game and get stronger mentally as well
Finally, what do you believe to be the most rewarding part about playing the sport and being a part of a team?
It’s just a different feeling seeing your brothers succeed. The team getting better and stronger is a great feeling .
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