Texas defensive lineman Alfred Collins (95) and defensive lineman Vernon Broughton (45) celebrate a play against Rice during the second half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, September 2, 2023 in Austin, Texas. ). (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
AUSTIN (KXAN) – Fifth-year defensive lineman Alfred Collins wants to finish what he started, especially because his mom told him to.
This year is not only his time to shine, but also to keep a commitment to his family, as he joined NFL tackles Tyvondre Sweat and Byron Murphy in the Longhorns' rotation last year.
Collins' mother, Benita Pollard-Collins, was a four-year letterwinner for the Longhorns women's basketball team from 1990 to 1994. Alfred said his entire family encouraged him to complete a degree in Human Dimensions of Organizations, a liberal arts-based major.
“Football isn't going to last forever, but this degree especially here is going to take me a long way,” he said Thursday after his 14th spring practice. “My mom graduated from here, and she always tells me to finish what I start. That's Texas guy, it's the best school in the nation.”
Collins started six games last season, played in all 14 games, recorded 22 tackles, was named All-Big 12 and received honorable mention honors. He has played in 48 career games, and the Bastrop native has emerged as one of the leaders on the defense.
He said the team's new defensive line coach, Kenny Baker, is a detail-oriented guy who won't tolerate anything from him or the other linemen in practice or film study. he loves it.
“If you make a mistake, you have to try again,” Collins said of Baker. Baker previously coached the NFL's Miami Dolphins and replaced Bo Davis when he went to Louisiana State University in the offseason. “I love him. He really wants the best for everyone there.”
Collins is just one of a talented group of defensive tackles and edge players returning to the Longhorns. Valin Soler is one of them, entering his fourth year, and he said the position group has a nice mix of veterans and young talent that “brings competition to practice.”
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“That ultimately leads to success on game day,” Soler said. “We set a new standard together last year, and that's what I intend to uphold to you.”
Soler started all 14 games last season and recorded 37 tackles, earning All-Big 12 honors and being named to the All-Academic team. As a veteran leader on defense, he said his own leadership style is based on setting an example for everyone to emulate.
“It all starts with leading by example,” he said. “I’m confident in the way I do things, and I think a lot of people in this program are as well. can be supported.”
The Orange vs. White spring game is scheduled for Saturday at 1 p.m., but the latest weather forecast calls for widespread rain around that time. Refrain. Soler loves the spring game.
“It's a great experience,” he said. “Things change when Longhorn Nation comes out. It's surreal to be able to have moments like that with them, especially for young players who have never experienced a game-like environment.” and you can get a little preview.”
