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12-14-2011 03:27 PM |
Collins is just good enough for the NFL
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There's 2010 Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram...check.
And then there's Jedidiah "Jed" Collins...who?
Collins, a 2004 Mission Viejo High graduate, is the Saints starting fullback. Quite an accomplishment considering the 6-1, 255-pound blocker is on his seventh team since he signed as a free agent out of Washington State.
"If fame, recognition or health are important to you, I would not recommend fullback," said Collins.
Collins' improbable journey began in 2008 after building up a Washington State program where the versatile fullback also played tight end and special teams. He signed as an undrafted free agent by the Philadelphia Eagles. That year he was waived during final cuts, but was re-signed to the team's practice squad.
Over the next four scattered seasons, Collins would navigate his way across the United States, signing on to one practice squad after another. Through final cut after final cut, he kept grinding.
Only seeing action in two NFL games for the Cleveland Browns in 2008, this was not the NFL dream Collins had in mind. The life of a journeyman fullback and special teams practice squad player was taking its toll.
"Rollercoaster is the only way I can explain the feelings of the last four years," said Collins. "The highs of being a part of the NFL and chasing a dream and the lows of being told your dream ride may be over. Being released is never easy, I would know it has happened a baker's dozen times to me.
Collins is just good enough for the NFL | collins, football, year - News - The Orange County Register
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