2004 All Star East
Jimmy Collins
Tailback
5’11″ 190 lbs.
High School Coach: Mike Smith
High School, Class: Lapeer West, A
College: Northern Michigan University
Jimmy was a three-year starter for the Lapeer West Panthers. He played defensive back in his sophomore year, and defensive strong safety his junior year. In his senior year he again played strong safety and added running back to his duties. In his senior year he helped to lead the Panthers to a league championship, and a district title.
Jimmy also played baseball two years and basketball four years. “Nothing was as much fun as football,” he said.
Jimmy said, “I definitely want to thank God for all the talent he has given me in athletics and academics, He gets all the glory.” He also thanked, “my mom and dad for supporting me and helping me all these years. I thank my sisters, Erin and Brooke, for always coming to my games and cheering for me. I thank the many family members who came to games and cheered us on. Grandpa and Grandma Raab, Granny Collins, Uncle Nick and Aunt Kathy, Uncle Mike and Aunt Donna, Uncle Jon, Aunt Jodi and Ben, Uncle Barry, Aunt Tracy, Shane and Trey, Aunt Lois, Dale, Bryan, Steven and Angie, and Uncle Randy, and thank you to all those family members that supported me but could not attend games. I thank all my friends for their support on and off the field. I thank my teammates who made 2003 Panther football the best. I also thank Coach Mike Smith, my head football coach, for coaching me and putting up with me all these years. I will always have great high school football memories. Thank you to all the coaches at Lapeer West for helping me to be ready to play football at a college level.”
Awards
Flint Metro League Defensive Back, 2001, 2002 and 2003
All Area Defensive Back, 2002 and 2003
Flint Metro League Running Back, 2003
All Area Running Back, 2003
All State Honorable Mention Running Back, Detroit Free Press, 2003