We tell you everything you need to know about the 2022 Collins Hill football team in this preview. We take a look at roster changes and what fans can expect from the team this season.
2021 Stats
- Overall Record: 15-0
- Points Scored: 593
- Points Against: 123
Key Losses
The defending GHSA Class 7A state champions turn the page on what has been an exceptional two-year run with the loss of a couple of standout players who will be very hard, if not impossible, to replace.
It starts with ATH Travis Hunter, considered to be the top overall player in Georgia. His 3,963 yards receiving with 48 TDs on 272 catches is an amazing stat line, considering that he accomplished it while being double-teamed week in and week out. He was just as much a force on defense, pulling down 19 interceptions as he patrolled the Eagles’ defensive backfield.
Coach Lenny Gregory says defensive lineman Jaylen George deserves a lot of credit for the Eagles’ success these last two seasons. George finished his Collins Hill career with 172 tackles, with 42 of those for loss, and 16.5 sacks. Two other defensive standouts who will be missed are defensive lineman Asani Redwood and linebacker Roberto Bryant. Redwood finished his Eagles career with 181 total tackles, and his sack numbers are something to behold – 23.5 in 28 games. In last season alone, he came up with 148 tackles and three sacks. He also blocked a FG and recovered a fumble.
Who’s Back
Among the players returning and hoping to help Collins Hill return to a third straight title game in 2022 will be a couple of standout seniors, one of whom has done a whale of a job on the offensive side, and the other on defense. The returning senior who will look to fill some big holes on offense is TE Ethan Davis, who enters his final season with eight TDs and 766 yards receiving on 61 catches. Davis could be poised for a breakout 2022.
The other player who hopes to continue to impact the Eagles this year is MLB Dion Crawford. In his first two seasons, he has racked up 221 total tackles with an incredible 25.5 sacks. He also has two interceptions and two forced fumbles. Yes, Davis and Crawford are ready to lead this year.
A couple of players who haven’t seen a whole lot of playing time, but have shown they have the potential to become special players, are Isaiah Richardson and TK Lanier. Playing the OLB and WR positions, and in just 11 games so far, Richardson has 181 receiving yards and two TDs on 16 catches. Lanier, on the other hand, has seen very limited playing time, but he stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 230 pounds, so one can see why Gregory says Lanier is one of the top players to watch for this season.
What To Expect
There’s no question fans will see a different Collins Hill team than what they experienced the last two seasons, when the Eagles were a part of the Class 7A title game. Losing Sam Horn and Travis Hunter will have a significant impact this season, allowing plenty of opportunity for players who have been waiting for a chance, and Gregory knows that better than anyone.
“We have a lot of young talent that will get a chance to play this year,” he said. They’ll have to be ready, though, because a tough schedule awaits the Eagles this season, according to the coach. “We have an extremely challenging schedule, so we will see if we can get our young guys ready to compete at a very high schedule,” Gregory said. “We are excited to see next guys up at the Hill.”
Prediction
It’s not another 12-win season, but 8-4 will be a good record with so much turnover.
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