Reed Collins is a senior offensive lineman for the Lafayette Leopards, majoring in Government & Law with a minor in History from Jacksonville, Fla. He has started every game this season and established himself as a reliable starter early in his career, growing from a young player into a vocal leader and steady force up front. Collins' leadership extends beyond the field. Just as he values being a reliable presence for his teammates, he carries that same sense of responsibility as an older brother to his two younger sisters. Despite the distance from home, family remains at his core and continues to motivate why he plays. Known for his consistency and strength, Collins has become a dependable teammate throughout his time here. His command of the trenches and rhythm on the offensive line have helped pave the way for the team's third-consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season. 

"I had the opportunity to coach him for four years and have seen his progression. He's gotten better every year. He's a great teammate and friend to all the guys. He's always on time, carries himself the right way, and shows a great work ethic in the weight room, on the practice field, and during the offseason. He sets a strong example for the younger players." — Kevin Baumann, Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line

Coaching & Mentorship

 Growing up with parents who were both collegiate athletes, how did their experiences influence your approach to both academics and sports?

"Both my parents have been a huge inspiration for me. My dad played baseball at the University of New Hampshire and my mom was a rower at Boston University. My two younger sisters Leah and Caroline also play sports, so it definitely runs in the family. They taught me the skills of hard work and discipline both on and off the field."



What first got you into football, and who introduced you to the sport?

"I loved watching football when I was little and knew I wanted to play someday. My dad was a huge inspiration in bringing me into the game of youth ball."

Who's your favorite football player or coach of all time?

"My favorite coach of all time was my middle school coach/ teacher coach T. He taught me skills both on and off the court and how to be your best self. We still keep in touch today and he is like family to me."

If you could give one piece of advice to a young athlete hoping to play offensive line in college, what would it be?

"I would tell them to spend extra time mastering footwork and body positioning. To be successful in college playing offensive line you must be able to move quickly and play with great technique. Mastering lateral movement and blocking second-level defenders in space is a skill they should practice. I would also encourage them to take time listening to their coaches and asking questions."

Playing the Game 

You've played multiple positions along the offensive line—how has moving between right guard and right tackle shaped your mindset and approach to the game?

"I have always played multiple positions on the offensive line both in high school and college. Switching between guard and tackle requires different technical skills and presents different challenges. But I love it and want to help the team wherever I can. Switching positions has taught me how to be ready to adapt to different situations in both the pass and run game. I love both positions and enjoy the challenge."
 


Looking back, what's been the toughest game you've played in, and what motivated you to keep pushing through it?

"The toughest game I've played this year was vs Georgetown. The game was brutally hot and required me to push myself to my limits. They also had talented defensive ends that required me to play at my best. Overall, looking back it was a great win and was one of the toughest fought wins of my career."

If you could play on any NFL field, which one would you choose and why?

"If I could play on any NFL field I would choose Everbank Stadium because that is home of the Jacksonville Jaguars, my favorite team."

Setting Up Plays 

You spent some time interning with ZIYNX—what was that experience like, and what were some key things you learned from it?

"In my time interning with ZIYNX I learned the skills of networking and building your brand. I got the chance to meet student-athletes and leaders all across the country who taught me how to build personal skills related to the professional world."
 
"I got some insider information on how to build your LinkedIn profile from HR representatives as well as how to maximize NIL. ZIYNX is now working with top advertisement companies using student-athletes to promote brands like Gatorade, Under Armour and others."

Inside The Huddle 

Which teammate gives the best pre-game hype speeches?

"Elijah Steward, he always brings a different type of energy."

Who on the team would make the best coach one day?

"Brian Baucia is just a natural leader and would make a great O line coach one day. His dad was also a coach so he is very well-equipped for the game."



If your football team could be represented by one cartoon show, which would it be and why?

"Regular Show, because every day feels like an adventure and that's also me and my teammate Spencer Adams' favorite show."

Off the Field Faves



What other sports did you play growing up?

"I played baseball, basketball and soccer when I was little."

Who's your biggest role model outside of sports?

"My dad is definitely my biggest role model. He always inspires me to do great things and chase the things I love."



What's your favorite place to fish, and what's the biggest fish or shark you've ever caught?

"My favorite place to fish is in south Florida. When I was about 12, I caught a six-foot hammerhead shark on a charter boat in Fort Lauderdale. It was one of my greatest fishing memories and is still the biggest fish I've ever caught to this day."

"I started fishing with my dad when I was eight years old in Georgia."

What would your tunnel walk-out song be, and why did you choose it?

"Skrilla by Kodak Black. I love this song because it just always gets me hyped before games."

What is your go-to Wawa order?

"Chicken parm sub and mozzarella sticks."

If you had a time machine, what year would you visit first?

"2670 BCE to see the Pyramids being built."

College Hill

What song would soundtrack your senior season?

"Don't We by: Morgan Wallen."



What's been your favorite memory at Lafayette, one athletic and one non-athletic?

"My favorite athletic memory was beating Lehigh sophomore year to win the Patriot League."

"My favorite non-athletic memory at Lafayette was sledding down the hill behind the Fishers with my friends during our snow day sophomore year."

What's  one thing on your senior year bucket list?

"Go tubing with my friends down the Delaware river."

What's next for you after graduation? Any plans or goals you're excited about?

"Pursue a master's degree in political science and keep playing football."