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Recruiters pleased Collins has grown
Commonwealth Notebook
Date published: 3/18/2008
BY JUSTIN RICE When college coaches recruiting Donovan Miles and Isaiah Hamlette visited Brooke Point High School or watched the Black-Hawks on tape, it was often a teammate of those two Division I signees that stood out. Brooke Point junior Lanford Collins missed the start of practice his freshman year and didn't get a chance to move up to varsity that season. His sophomore year he weighed just 200 pounds and spent the season as a defensive back and ball carrier. But between his sophomore and junior years, the 6-foot-4, 240-pounder hit a growth spurt. "It was just genetics," Brooke Point coach Jeff Berry said. "When he blew up like he did in between those years, we moved him down to defensive end." The adjustment from the defensive backfield to the defensive line was a big one. "He had never had his hand on the ground," Berry said. "That's a big change, from out there playing in space to down on the line like that." It took time for Collins to get comfortable as a pass rusher, but once he did, the results were impressive. Collins had 73 tackles and nine sacks for the Commonwealth District champions. He also caught 12 passes for three touchdowns as a tight end. As recruiters watched Miles--a West Virginia signee--and Hamlette--a Virginia Tech signee--they would ask about Collins. His combination of size, speed and agility has made him an attractive prospect. Six schools have offered a scholarship to Collins, including Virginia Tech, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, Penn State and N.C. State. Berry didn't think there is a leader yet, but Virginia's 3-4 defensive scheme seems especially suited to a player like Collins--big enough to rush the passer and nimble enough to drop back into coverage. "He's got his eyes wide open," Berry said. "He's looking at everywhere." Wildcats' Fernow Mountain View senior A.J. Fernow will play football for Salisbury University next fall. The 6-3, 185 senior led the Wildcats in receptions last year, including a 20-catch night against Massaponax, a VHSL single-game record. "I first noticed [Salisbury] through football," Fernow said. "I visited there and really loved the campus. They have a great atmosphere." Salisbury coach told Fernow he'll continue to play receiver at the next level. Justin Rice: 540/368-5045
Date published: 3/18/2008
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