Although he is just a sophomore, Juron Collins has provided theLoyd Star Hornets with the necessary push the team has neededduring its back-to-back wins.

Collins powered the Hornets to a 28-0 victory over Region 6-2Arival Madison St. Joe last week. He rushed the football 22 timesfor 156 yards and a touchdown.

For his accomplishments, Collins has been named The DailyLeader’s Offensive Player of the Week for the ninth week ofthe 2002 football season.

“It’s a surprise to me,” smiled Collins. “I’m a sophomore. I’mexcited about it.”

Collins stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 150 pounds. He runs a 40 ina 4.7 time. In the weight room, Collins bench presses 155 poundsand squats with 240.

Loyd Star head football coach Sidney Wheatley hopes to seeCollins in the weight room during the offseason to muscle up, addsome strength and weight.

“Juron runs hard,” said Wheatley. “We need to get more weight onhim. He is quick. He is one of those guys who will be there eachday. He is a good guy to coach and does everything you ask ofhim.”

Collins has provided some needed offensive spark after a veteranstarter at running back decided to quit the team a few weeksago.

“He is a good, instinctive runner,” added Wheatley. “Juronfollows his blocks real well. He’s a slasher-type runner. He hassome quickness and does a good job putting two hands on the balland protecting it.”

Collins said his favorite play is the Gator Left. “I take acounter step and spring right and come back left between the backs.I get to the opening and run between the tackles.”

Without the offensive line, Collins knows he and the other backswould be unsuccessful. His listed his linemen as Daniel Sisco,guard; Hunter Case, tackle; Ken Smith, guard; Justin Russell,center and Jonathan Smith, tackle.

“They did a great job last Friday,” praised Collins of theHornet offensive line. “They provided me with the gaps so I can getall the yards I can.”

Wheatley has done a lot for the team, according to Collins. “Heprovides good plays for us. He has worked hard to get us back towhere we are.”

The Collins name is not new to Loyd Star. His father, LewisCollins, played football for the Hornets back in the late 70’s. Andhis cousin, Marcus Shannon, is well known to Hornet football fans,earning Player of the Year honors on The Daily Leader’sAll-Lincoln County Team. Shannon , tailback in high school, is awide receiver at Copiah-Lincoln Community College.

Collins said the Hornets (3-6, 2-2) are working hard toprepare for a big Region 6-2A game with McLaurin Friday. He and histeammates want to win, take second place in the region and host afirst-round game in the Class 2A state football playoffs, Nov.8.

“It means a lot to us to make it to the playoffs,” stressedCollins. “We’re working harder.” Last year the Hornets made it tothe Class 2A South State championship game.

Collins also plays basketball for Loyd Star boys coach Gene”Moochie” Britt. He plays forward.

Away from school, Collins likes to play basketball andswim.

Collins said his favorite subject is math. His favoritecollege football team is Oregon.

In the NFL, Collins likes the San Francisco 49ers. Hisfavorite player is Warrick Dunn of the Atlanta Falcons.

“I want to thank my offensive line and wide receivers formaking the holes for me,” added Collins. “And thank the coaches forhelping me out.”