Ricky Collins Jr. Has Plenty In The Tank

Growing up in the athlete factory also known as Tyler, Texas, Ricky Collins Jr. had no shortage of options. Along with starring on the gridiron at John Tyler High School, where he had over 1,000 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in his senior season, Collins Jr. also considered pursuing a baseball career until one pitch changed things forever.

“I got hit on the elbow and it hurt real good, ” he recalls with a chuckle.

“After that, I figured no equipment, no protection, maybe I should focus on football.”

Now, it’s no secret wide receivers take the odd smack now and again. But it’s still a far cry from getting plunked by a 90-mile per hour fastball.

Through four days of padded practices in Kamloops, Collins Jr. has seen reps with the first team offence and emerged as one of the more intriguing additions to the new unit being built by Jarious Jackson.

“This is a good chance for me and I think I have a real shot,” Collins Jr. says.

“I’d love to be a starting receiver, but this is a professional football team and you have to go out there and show what you can do. It’s also a good chance for me to mesh with the receiving corps., as well as Jonathon, Travis and the other quarterbacks.”

And he has every reason in the world to be hungry. After spending his final two college years at Texas A&M Commerce, where he was teammates with current Lions teammate and fellow receiver Vernon Johnson, Collins Jr. spent time with the Green Bay Packers in 2015 before finding his way to Saskatchewan and a productive rookie campaign: 48 receptions for 720 yards and a pair of touchdowns in just 13 games.

2017 would prove to be different and not in a good way: after the regular season opener he was traded to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, suffered an injury and subsequently did not see any more playing time once he recovered.

Now on the west coast, he knows the time to shine is now.

“I have a whole lot left in the tank. Football is far from over for me, ” the receiver says.

Collins Jr. is here despite dealing with some obstacles when his father Ricky Sr. suffered a stroke in 2012. Despite just transferring to Midwestern State, he knew duty called and moved back home to take care of both his father and mother Carolyn who had medical issues of her own. On top of that, he had two small children with a third on the way. To help make ends meet he took an overnight job at the local Walmart.

“Not everyone is blessed to have both their parents and I have been really lucky to have them in my corner,” Collins Jr. says.

“Whenever I can give back to my parents, I’ll do anything I can to help them.”

Collins did enjoy a productive rookie season with the Roughriders, hauling in 48 receptions for 720 yards and a pair of touchdowns in 13 games. Being the odd man out and there and not getting a real shot in Hamilton has so far proven to be a blessing in disguise.

Despite tweaking a groin earlier this week, Collins Jr. was able to take part in many of Friday’s drills and continues to pick up some key pointers from both Jackson and the coaches as well as the other receivers battling alongside him.

“My first camp in orange is going good,” he adds.

“I have the huge expectations for both myself and the team. It’s always motivating when you have two or three good receivers and all of these guys have formed a good nucleus of players. I know Jarious from Saskatchewan. He was a player, knows what its like and how to communicate with us on the field.”

Pro Football Hall of Famer Earl Campbell, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and former NBA star Larry Johnson are just a few of the big athletes that hail from the town of Tyler. Collins Jr. has yet to fully write his whole story.

Training Camp Day 6 Tidbits

If you had to ask this writer what player on offence has consistently shown he has an extra gear, that would be Shaq Johnson. The speedy receiver was once again a deep threat in Friday’s morning session and hauled in a nice touchdown grab in tight coverage in the corner of the end zone. The 2018 camp returns are indeed early, but Johnson is quickly turning into one of the club’s better recent Canadian draft success stories.

Jonathon Jennings was quick to point out how much better some of the new additions up front have made him and the other quarterbacks.

“Those guys are ginormous, honestly,” Jennings said.

“You walk down the hall with them and it’s just crazy how big they are. Those guys are working as hard as ever, honestly. We’ve got those guys moving a lot, running around, running back to the huddle. They’re doing a great job protecting as well. Obviously, the run game is going to be a big part (of it) as well. Those guys are doing a great job of hustling, working hard and competing.”

His pal Travis Lulay is back competing in limited drills, but still not taking part in the team sessions. If anything, that has allowed Jennings to get to know new teammates Cody Fajardo and Ricky Lloyd.

“It’s been great,” he says.

“It’s always good to have new faces in to lighten up the room a little bit. Cody is a great guy. Obviously, he worked under (Marc) Trestman’s system so he has a good knowledge of the CFL and has really done a good job picking up the things Jarious is coaching up and he fits right in with the quarterback room. Ricky is a young guy as well so he’s out here just trying to learn the game in general. It’s fun with him.”

Trade Alert: Late on Friday afternoon, GM Ed Hervey announced the acquisition of defensive lineman Davon Coleman from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. In exchange, the Lions are giving up a fourth-round pick in the 2019 CFL Draft. Hamilton is including their 2019 sixth-round pick in the deal. Coleman might be best remembered in these circles as the guy who ran into Jennings in the memorable week four game in Steel Town last July 15th, knocking the Lions’ starter out for the next three weeks. Coleman registered 41 defensive tackles and five sacks in his lone season with the Tiger-Cats and appeared in four games with the Dallas Cowboys from 2014-15. He should provide some even more intriguing options in Hervey’s new look rotation.

Saturday Schedule: Morning practice will be in helmets and shorts only from 8:30- 10:30 AM. Fan Fest, presented by BCLC, takes place from 5:30- 9:30 PM at Hillside Stadium. Those in attendance can get a first hand look at the players during the live scrimmage.

Matt Baker: mbaker@bclions.com