Name: Jamari Collins
School: Urbana
Position: DL
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 270
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
The first goal that I set which was most important, was to win a conference championship as a team. We as a team did not reach our goal, however we definitely changed the culture and laid the foundation as a senior class at the university with the first winning record in a while.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
They would say I am a quiet leader, I lead by example. I am not the hype guy or pump you up before games, that is just not my personality. Not caught up in individual accolades or trying to “get mine”. I want to win, do the right thing all the time and do what it takes to be the best football player and teammate I can be, even when nobody is looking.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
When watching film on opponents for Saturday, I like to watch for different tendencies along the offensive line. I like to see what it is they’re good and weak at individually and as a unit. When watching film on myself I like to focus on what my weaknesses are so that I can attack them when I’m at practice and training. I like to credit my D-line coach for enlightening me on how paying attention to film is just as important as working your game. Now I even catch myself watching a NFL game sometimes and noticing tendencies in some of those players. It’s the small things that separate the good and the great.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
From a mental standpoint, I pride myself on knowing the playbook. I know what I am supposed to do and what the guys I play with up front are responsible for. I know that if a guy needs help or is unsure I can help and have an answer because I will know my playbook for sure. You won’t every have to worry about if I know my responsibilities on a play or not. Athletically, I would have to say my versatility. I can play the defensive tackle and defensive end spot in most situations. I also pride myself on special teams, I was 2nd in the nation for blocked kicks my junior year and blocked two more as a senior. So special teams is not a play off for me I take it as opportunity.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
What I like to do is go back home to my high school where it all started and train my strength, conditioning and perfect my craft on the field. I like it this way because it’s home, I have a great support system, My family is behind me 1000% and it keeps me grounded and humble.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I always want to get better, I’m not even the smallest bit ok with messing up. Whether it be a wrong step or something like I should have done a move sooner than I did. I will always look and try new ways to make myself better and be the best at what I do for the benefit of the team because they count on me being the best I can be at what I do. Being mediocre is never the goal. Off the field you get a guy you won’t have to worry about jeopardizing the success of his teammates or himself with anything. I do what what is expected and what’s right even when the spotlight is not on me. I am a team first guy, whatever awards, recognition and accolades come are great I love football and will do what it takes to win. Plain and simple.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL or any other pro leagues?
You will get a guy who is going to give everything he has. I love football and anyone who knows me knows me will tell you. I am from Ypsilanti, Michigan. Small city, small high school, and small college. I have always felt like I’ve been over looked because I am from a small high school and college, however I have always lived by the phrase “ it’s not where you play, but how you play”, and I play with that in the back of my mind and that helps drive me. With me you get a guy who has knowledge for the game, gives everything for the team, works hard to be the best, determined to win and will lead by example on and off the field.