Humphries recalls way Collins helped him develop
Wednesday, October 29, 2014 | Football, Track and Field, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Gators offensive lineman D.J. Humphries was a month from his fourth birthday when former UF offensive lineman Mo Collins played his final game at Florida Field in November 1997.
However, as Humphries grew into one of the nation's top offensive line prospects at Mallard Creek High in Charlotte, N.C., Collins was nearby supporting his alma mater, West Charlotte High.
Collins was retired from the NFL and helping young players chase their dreams the way he dreamed two decades earlier. He purchased equipment for a new weight room at his old high school, where he became head coach earlier this year.
He also worked with Humphries (photo, left), who reflected on their relationship Wednesday. Collins died Sunday at 38.
“He pretty much taught me the craft, you know what I mean?" Humphries said. "He took me from being a left tackle with a right-handed stance and showed me all the stuff to become an All-American in high school. That was pretty tough when I found I lost him this week. That was a big deal.”
Humphries and others have shared their fondness for Collins, who stood 6-foot-5 and weighed 337 pounds as an NFL rookie in 1998.
Former UF coach Steve Spurrier called Collins “one of my favorite players” on Tuesday night while talking to South Carolina beat reporters.
