Nov 28 2007
On the Road with Cruiser: Collie 4:18
Austin Collie has been in the news a lot lately. If he’s not making clutch plays to break open a tight game, he’s marching into battle with the media. But more about that later. First, here is a list of some of his achievements and awards:
- Eagle Scout
- 4.0 student in high school.
- Northern California’s Most Valuable Football Player.
- PrepStar and SuperPrep All-American
- Served 2-year Church mission to Argentina
- MWC Freshman Player of the Year
- Collegiate Freshman All-American
- BYU & MWC record-holder, single-game all-purpose yards (366).
Reading about Austin Collie is like reading about a prince in a fairy tale. It’s like reading a true-life Louis L’Amour story (a 21st-century Sackett?). It’s like reading most ten-year-old boys’ secret wish list. He was born to goodly parents, has three brothers (also goodly), a gifted sister, and is engaged to be married to a beautiful young lady. Although his life isn’t really the stuff of scripture (yet), it is the stuff of dreams.
Before I go any further, I should probably acknowledge that I knew his father at BYU, and thus may be tempted to paint a rosier picture than is merited, if that’s possible. Scott was an excellent receiver who ran disciplined routes and had good hands. On a team, though, that boasted speedsters like Lloyd Jones, Bill Davis, and Scott Phillips (all who ran 4.3s), he was slightly on the slower side. He was happy, good-natured, and fun to be around—and that was before he joined the Church, which, he said, changed his life.
One of the blessings of joining the Church, Scott said publicly, is the fact that his children have been raised with strong values and the desire to succeed in life. Zac, the oldest, and Austin, have both served faithful missions and have excelled in football at BYU. His other children (with wife, Nicole) are also excelling: Taylore, 18, has a golf scholarship at UVU, and younger sons Dylan and Cameron are also gifted and are excelling in youth sports. All live by the high standards their parents have raised them by.
Austin, though, may be special, even in this family. Things that other D-1 (can I still say that?) receivers work hard to master, like adjusting early to the ball when it’s in the air, Austin does naturally. When feisty cornerbacks are battling for position as the ball approaches, Austin instinctively uses his body and off-arm to win the battle. When holes suddenly open up in the secondary, he naturally gravitates to them, adjusting his route enough to become open but not so much that he throws off his quarterback. He is easily one of the most natural receivers BYU has ever seen.
Most of this, though, is becoming old (though welcome) news to BYU fans. On a weekly basis, we see what he can do. But what is this phenom like in real life? What do others think of him?
In talking to those who know him, I usually notice a pause, then heard things like:
“He’s the best at what he does, and he knows it.”
“He’s a joker, pretty funny.”
“He’s incredibly confident—almost arrogant. No, not almost.”
What? Our golden boy has pride? The person who made the “arrogant” statement went on to explain:
“It’s the kind of self-confidence or arrogance that the very best players have. I think Max has it too. The coaches love it. They want the players to feel like they’re the best, especially when they are.”
When asked if the other people liked him, the response was a resounding yes.
“He’s a lot of fun, and he can get pretty loud sometimes. People like to be around him, because he likes to be around them.”
Only once did I hear of him getting angry at someone else. Rumor has it that he “gets mad at Max if he gets open and Max doesn’t see him.” Fair enough. He wouldn’t be a true receiver if he didn’t hold his quarterback accountable for missing potential TDs—even if that quarterback is one of his best friends.
It’s common knowledge that Austin, Max Hall, and Dennis Pitta are close, and Austin and Dennis are roommates (at least until Austin’s marriage). This closeness off the field has led to a noticeable connection on the field. Hall seems to know when Austin or Dennis will be open, though he may be guilty of watching them too exclusively, rather than looking off the defense first. The Hall-to-Collie connection, and the Hall-to-Pitta connection should last for at least another two years, as all three are sophomores.
Austin is probably the most physical wide receiver on BYU’s team. He is big and strong, at 6-2, 215. He bench presses about 320 and hang cleans about the same. He ran a 4.6 forty last summer but, according to others, could probably run a 4.5 right now. But it’s one thing to be strong or fast and another to know how to use it. Again, he is absolutely instinctual in this. He is one of the best college receivers today at changing pace during a route, at masking a route, and at deceiving a defender.
In the memorable 4th-and-18 play against Utah, Max Hall told Collie to run a double break—a route with two moves in it. Though there are few replays available that show his route, the ones that do indicate that he didn’t really break twice, or that if he did, they were very slight. Rather, he seemed to feign uninvolvement in the play, as if the ball were not coming to him. He did this by using a lack of pace. Then, almost as if the play were designed this way (it isn’t), Max Hall broke out to his right, as if he were going to run to daylight. The cornerback on Collie had a decision to make: Does he stay with his man, who doesn’t look like he’s part of the play, or does he attack Hall, who looks like he might be running for the all-important first down. Then, at this moment of indecision, Collie turned on the jets and broke to the corner, quickly putting five yards between himself and the cornerback, where he caught Max’s pass and broke the Utes’ collective hearts.
The success of that play wasn’t so much a matter of running a sharp route or of Max calling the right breaks. It was more a matter of Austin improvising in exactly the right way at exactly the right time. Which is something most receivers at the college level rarely do.
As for Collie’s comments after the game, that “when you’re doing what’s right on and off the field, I think the Lord steps in and plays a part; magic happens,” it seems clear to those who know him that he was simply preaching what he practiced. He had already walked the walk; now he was talking the talk. Given a chance to back down from those comments earlier this week, he actually came on stronger and clarified exactly what he meant:
“I believe the Lord has truly blessed me. It’s the reason why I’m playing [Division I] football, and if you don’t believe that the next time you receive an award, then don’t say you want to thank God first for your success. I think by saying the Lord blesses us and that the Lord has nothing to do with football or anything like that is wrong, because He does. I think the reason why I’m here and the reason why I’ve had such good success isn’t because of me. No, it’s because of what I’ve been given, and that goes for every athlete that’s out there on the field. We should all thank the Lord for that and ask Him to bless us to the best of our abilities and for our hard work.” (http://byu.scout.com/2/706030.html)
Amen, Brother Collie. Amen.
16 Responses to “On the Road with Cruiser: Collie 4:18”
I agree with what Austin said. Nevertheless, I have to agree with Deseret Morning News columnist, Doug Robinson (something I rarely do) that Austin’s making those comments in the context of the Utah-BYU “Holy War” elevated the comments far beyond what they would have merited in another setting. Consequently, we’ll be hearing about Austin’s comments for years–especially when Utah prevails over BYU in any athletic contest. That leads me to another point.
I think Austin might be destined to become what I’ll call the “Terrell Owens of the good guys.” On the one hand, T.O. makes outrageous statements about anything and everything. On the other hand, while Austin doesn’t run off at the mouth like T.O., I get the impression that he will never back down from his beliefs. This could lead to some interesting situations in the future–espeically as the media and opponents try to bait him into delivering juicy quotes.
My guess is that he’ll learn from his coach. Remember the furor caused my Coach Mendenhall’s “Captain Moroni” and “Stripling Warriors” comments? While Bronco hasn’t changed his mind about what he said, I don’t see him making those comments to the press nowadays. I think Austin will adopt his coach’s approach and be more cautious in his comments. Still, if Austin’s principles and beliefs are directly challenged, who knows what might happen. It could be interesting.
We must be experiencing a Utah-game-hangover or something. Are we all alright out there in cyberspace? I know I feel kind of drained from the emotionally charged week leading up to the Utah game and the subsequent 2-3 days of fending off/laughing at bitter Ute fans.
Just promise me that you’ll all be back to normal by Friday.
Another awesome article, Cruiser.
Maybe the shirts should read “Collie 4:18″? (pretty bad)
Cruiser- Your post today is the best, in my opinion, that has been posted (by Josh, Peter & you - not talking about reponsive posts) since it opened because you gave personal insight that was not public knowledge & you wrote it in a very professional manner (must have been an English major!). I was a little shocked at Coach Mendenhall’s Captain Moroni’s comment but not by Austin’s because he is absolutely correct. We hear the pro’s expressing their thanks to God (although I don’t ever recall Steve Young ever saying that), making the sign of the cross & pointing up to the sky. He was correct in saying what he did and it did not matter if it was after the Holy War (not) or any other game. What he said was true and it is true for any athlete (believer or not) who plays at any level and at any school, including Utah where prior to President Faust’s death, 8 out of 15 apostles (1st Presidency & Quorum of 12) graduated from there. So BYU has no claim over any other college or school in terms of God’s preference. He blesses all of us in whatever we do and He appreciates it when we acknowledge it.
Finally, did any one else notice that after we scored our last TD there were 38 seconds left in the game. We ran a 2 point conversion and when we kicked off there were still 38 seconds left on the clock??? Thanks to the three authors ofthis site and to all who have made posts. For heavens sake, I hope out team does not go down to S.D. St. having left all of their emotion at the Utah game because if they do, they will lose.
Listening to sports announcers and fans complain about Austin’s commnets is a joke. Anyone that extrapolates “God hates the utards cause BYU won” is either ignorant, stupid or both. What sucks is I have to listen to stupid people talk about these comments for days on end instead other more interesting topics.
What I do like is Austin’s response to everyone’s oversensitive reaction to his “inflammatory” comments.
“It’s just ridiculous. People have to get a life,”
“I just think it’s absolutely ridiculous that people take something like that and blow it up,” Collie told us last night. “I really think it’s because I’m a Mormon white kid from Brigham Young University. Anybody else says that from any other team and it’s just ‘How spiritual that guy is.”
“To tell you I got here on my own and that the Lord hasn’t had a hand in my success and our team’s success and every other athlete’s success in this world is just B.S.,” he said. “Because he’s had a hand in every person’s life.”
Thanks Austin for saying it like it is and not backing down! Absolutely priceless!
Walt, the answer to your question about the 2-point conversion is that they never run the game clock on point-after tries, whether it’s for one or two points.
I loved the article. It was masterfully articulated.
I have been with CES for the last 21 years, and have had a number of athletes come through my seminary classes. Being a former player, I’ve felt an affinity for them. But I’ve noticed an interesting phenomenon with many athletes.
Here’s my take. Gifted athletes can receive so much attention for their athletic prowess, that it can stymie their spiritual development. Some players may think, at a subconscious level , “I don’t need God, because I get all the love and admiration I need without having to live the standards of the gospel.” Then there is the young athlete who realizes where his talents come from. I have taught both types, and find it so refreshing when a gifted athlete has his spiritual priorities in place. I’ve quietly told a couple of current BYU players, how proud of them I am, not just because they are skilled players, but because of the type of people that they are. Good athletes are a dime a dozen, but its rare when you find athletic and spiritual maturity in the same package. I think we have a great one in Austin.
On another note, has anyone talked with Ben Criddle about his defensive play on the long ball thrown to Derreck Richards, which he dropped in the final 38 seconds? I was replaying it in slow motion, and just before it lands in Richards hands, you can see the trajectory of the ball change so that it hits him in the chest. It looks convincing, that Criddle got his fingers on that pass, which if he did, might have been the defensive play of the game.
Greg, great response.
I served a mission with 3 current members of the BYU football team. Two were Assistants to the President, and one was a zone leader for a good part of his mission. Was it due to the fact they played football? I might argue it was in spite of it actually. They are just amazing guys who knew how to give 110% in everything they did.
Example(mostly cause its funny):
Elder X (for this story) was a senior companion to a problem missionary who no one else could get to work. Our mission had a goal of 120 contacts a week (talking to someone on the street/knocking doors and extending an invitation of some sort.) Elder X didn’t count how many he did and they would just write down 120 on weekly reports. His junior companion one day said he didn’t believe they actually did that many, so Elder X told him to keep track that week. I think they finished with over 300. I went on splits (exchanges, whatever you want to call it) and we easily did 150 in about 3 hours.
I think Collie really hit it on the head with this statement: “I really think it’s because I’m a Mormon white kid from Brigham Young University.” When Illinois upset #1 ranked Ohio State behind QB Juice Williams, that is all he talked about in a 2 minute interview. No one blinked at it.
Greg, I haven’t checked with any players, but I am sure that Criddle got a finger on that pass. And you’re right, if Richards caught that ball, we might have been looking at a very different outcome. Unfortunately for Richards, he has been blamed for dropping the ball. It seems that some people would rather blame a Ute than credit a Cougar for a great play.
Also, nice take on spiritual athletes. It seems that our team this year certainly has its fair share of them.
Peter-
It’s not what position you serve in as a full-time missionary that is important but how you serve in whatever position to which you are called. President Hinckley says that his position is no more important than yours or mine or any other member, but it’s how we serve in whatever position we have. Too much emphasis is placed on becoming an AP or ZL which is what you have just done. Some of the best missionaries who I have ever known have been the one’s who were the best finders and the best teachers and they were not AP’s or ZL’s a majority of the time. Actually, the most important position in the mission field is Trainer; that’s where a mission president puts his very best missionaries.
Walt,
“It’s not what position you serve in as a full-time missionary that is important…”
“It’s not what position you serve in as a full-time missionary that is important”
As you can see, its pretty easy to say something that comes out wrong
I didn’t mean to imply they were the best missionaries because they were assistants or zone leaders, but they were very, very good missionaries.
Peter-
This says it all:
If you can’t be a pine on top of the hill,
Be a scrub in the valley - but be
The best little scrub by the side of the rill;
Be a bush, if you can’t be a tree.
If you can’t be a bush be a bit of grass,
And some highway happier you make;
If you can’t be a muskie, than just be a bass—–
But be the liveliest bass in the Lake!
We can’t all be captains; we’ve got to be crew,
There’s something for all of us here,
There’s big work to do and there’s lesser to do,
And the task we must do is the near
.
If you can’t be a highway, then just be a trail,
If you can’t be the sun, be a star;
For success is not measured by how great or how small,
Just be the best at whatever you are!
By Douglas Malloch
I hate to sound like a commercial, but the Deseret Book DVD “Tradition, Spirit, Honor”, with Bronco, John Beck, Johnny Harline, Curtis Brown, and Cameron Jensen, is excellent, and it shows how you can be a great football player, while being a “spiritual giant” also.
Austin Collie was just saying what Ammon said in Alma 26:11″But Ammon said unto him: I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God. ” Austin realizes that his being a great athlete is not because of Austin Collie, but it has much more to do with the Lord blessing him, and he knows that. Sounds like he knows what’s going on to me.
First I’m sorry I flamed at the slingbox critics and now I’ll take back my vow not to post anything.
Marvelous post cruiser, but I was hoping for more than amen considering the rest of the article.
I was grateful Collie stood up to his critics and stuck by his guns.
It is so tiring to listen to the pea-brains who wouldn’t let God have an unused corner of their lives turn around and use scriptures or implied sanctity to bash believers.
It sounded to me like a sweet believer who acknowledges God’s hand in all things, including hard luck.
And Collie didn’t go through the season without incident. He dropped balls, was called for penalties and suffered injuries.
But he persevered. I wish BYU had 80 more just like him.
We’d be No.1, notwithstanding the stacked deck of the BCS. .
Enough about all of this. What about Dylan and Cameron? How long before they are Cougars.
Welcome back to the comments section, Reshusa! Keep on coming strong.