Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?
Curtis Collins: Football means a lot to me, especially as the game evolves and I evolve as a player and man. It has held so much value in my life with various life lessons. I’ve learned the value of had work and dedication. I have learned to Stay persistent in my work ethic. Football keeps me on track and focused with what I want to get out of life.
Joe Gaiter:Conference Champs? How does it feel to be a champion?
Curtis Collins:It feels good to be a champion knowing all your hard work from the offseason paid off in a sense. But that’s not good enough for me I’m ready to get back to work already and stay on top of my game.
Joe Gaiter: What do you feel your contribution was to your team’s accomplishment this year?
Curtis Collins:Being a first-year captain as a junior was definitely something new to me even though I’ve always felt like a leader without the title. I felt like I was their voice at times when they couldn’t quite express themselves, I helped nurture that and show them the way on and off the field.
Joe Gaiter: 75 Tackles this year, how did you do it?
Curtis Collins:A lot of hard work and determination to remain focused on my goals, but God has been with me this entire journey and for that I am so grateful.
Joe Gaiter: How did it feel being named 2nd Team ALL-MEC?
Curtis Collins:Personally, I wasn’t too excited about it. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the recognition but in my eyes it’s either you’re first or you’re last. So, I was just a little disappointed that I did not make the 1st team, but that just means I’m ready to get back to work and perfect my craft.
Joe Gaiter:Do you have any pre-game rituals?
Curtis Collins:I have a playlist that I listen to that includes mostly Future, Nipsey Hussle, and YG. Other than that, I make sure to talk to God before every game.
Joe Gaiter:Tell us about the bond you have with your teammates?
Curtis Collins:It’s great relationship, I feel like I’m a big brother to the team. I make sure to put the young guys up on game and share insight with them on life experiences on and off the field. It’s kind of dope to have the bond that I do with all of them.
Joe Gaiter:Next year is your final is your senior year. Do you feel you have grown as an athlete?
Curtis Collins:Coming into college I switched positions (from running back to strong safety), so it was a challenge to learn a whole new skill set. It was difficult but once I got the hang of it, and learned from those older than me, I just ran with the opportunity that presented itself to me and I haven’t looked back since.
Joe Gaiter:What coaches, teacher or other people have been great influences in your life and why or how?
Curtis Collins:There has been a lot of people that have made great influences on my life, but some of the most important would be my parents and family. My friends Edrece, Darrius, Claudy and Brishaunn as well as my girlfriend Lena have also made a large impact on my life. The people outside of my family are the people that support me in good and bad times, and they’re always honest with me, even when I’m in the wrong, and it makes me a better person at the end of the day.
Joe Gaiter: Is it hard to juggle school and practice and games?
Curtis Collins:Yes, at times it can very difficult especially after having the season my team had this year, making a deep run into the playoffs. You can sometimes lose focus on school and focus so much on the game; it’s like tunnel vision when you got your eyes on a championship and all of the goals you have set with your team.
