Michael Collins Class: Senior Hometown: Hickory, NC High School: Hickory Height / Weight: 6-6 / 292 Position: Offensive Guard Birthdate: 08/27/1978 Experience: 3VL

An All-ACC candidate and a two-year returning starter who has moved to the guard position in the new offensive system … the strongest and most aggressive player in the program … expected to be an NFL draftee after his collegiate career … an exceptionally physical player who truly enjoys the "combat" and challenge of line play … possesses tremendous body strength ... a tenacious blocker … an "excellent football player" according to interior line coach Steed Lobotzke.

2000: A veteran member of a young offensive line ... started nine games last season at right tackle ... missed the Clemson and Virginia games after undergoing knee surgery ... made a speedy recovery and returned to the lineup against Vanderbilt ... his return helped play a key role in the improvement of the offensive line as well as the Deacon rushing game over the course of the season.

1999: Started every game of the season at left tackle and played nearly every offensive snap ... consistently rated highly by the Deacon coaches for his game performances this fall ... a key in helping running back Morgan Kane rush for more than 1,100 yards.

1998: Played in every 1998 contest at offensive tackle ... began the year as a top reserve but then took over as a starter the final half of the schedule ... totaled six starting assignments as a redshirt freshman.

1997: Nearly saw action as a true freshman, dressing for all 11 games, but managed to use the season as a redshirt year.

Background: Enjoyed an outstanding career at Hickory High School where he helped lead the Red Tornadoes to a perfect 16-0 season and 3A state championship in 1996 … that would be the first of two state titles he would earn as a senior - the second came when he captured a state championship in wrestling, winning his final match with a pin in just 17 seconds to conclude an undefeated year in that sport … named one of North Carolina's Top 25 players by the Charlotte Observer and was a Shrine Bowl selection (served as a captain on that team) … an all-state pick and participant in the 1997 East-West game … lettered three years for coach David Elder at Hickory, starting for conference championship squads in both 1995 and '96 … honored by his school as recipient of the "Mike Mallon Award" for citizenship as well as academic and athletic accomplishments … a sociology major at WFU … will turn 23 just prior to the opening of the 2001 campaign - born August 27, 1978 in Hickory, NC ... son of Bessie Collins ... cousin, Michael Setzer, played football at East Carolina in 1998.