MEADVILLE – Regrouping after their first setback of the season,quarterback Jamie Collins and the Franklin County Bulldogs tookcare of business Friday night in Fayette. They overcame a strongJefferson County squad, winning 23-20 as Collins rushed for 172yards and 2 touchdowns.

For his performance, Collins has been selected The DAILYLEADER’s Offensive Player of the Week. Collins (6-5, 215) alsoplays safety on defense.

“Jamie does a lot of things for us,” said FCHS head coach TrentHammond. “He is an extremely good athlete. He’s our quarterback buthe could be a great I (formation) tailback.

“He threw the ball well against Jefferson County,” Hammondcontinued. “He made some good decisions and led on several driveswhen we needed to make plays.”

Collins announced his intentions to sign with Auburn lastsummer. That verbal commitment will become official inFebruary.

“Jamie is a good student,” said Hammond. “He makes pretty goodgrades. You don’t have to worry about him in the classroom.”

The Bulldogs (5-1) evened their Region 7-3A record at 1-1. Theywere runners-up to Louisville in last December’s Class 3A statechampionship game after taking the title in 2006.

Asked how he and the Bulldogs responded after their narrowregion loss to Tylertown, Collins said, “We had to focus on thegame. It was kind of a wake-up call for us.”

Against Jefferson County, Collins carried the ball 18 times. Hescored touchdowns on runs of 15 and 25 yards.

He runs a 4.58 in the 40-yard dash and is recognized as a towerof strength. He bench presses 255 pounds in the weight room andsquats with 505 pounds.

After the football season, Collins said he plans to playbasketball for Coach Chris Jordan. He runs the 4×100 relay in trackand competes in all of the field events.

“Our offensive line is doing an OK job for us,” said Collins.”They are important for me to be successful. All I need is a littletime.”

Starting in FC’s offensive line are junior Gavin Weathers atcenter, senior Jace Carlock at right guard, senior Will Clinkscalesat left guard, sophomore Demechery Hickingbottom at right tackleand sophomore Preston Shelton at left tackle.

Working at tight end are Tevin Thomas and LaDarius Hunt, bothjuniors.

During the preseason, the plays set high goals. Collins said,”We have a great chance of going back to the state championship. Wehave to stay focused and do what coach wants us to do.”

The adjustment to a new head coach has taken time but Collinssaid he likes Coach Hammond. “He’s a pretty cool guy. I like theoffense he runs.”

Collins said he enjoys playing on both sides of the football. “Ilike offense and defense.”

Collins made his choice of colleges known last summer. “I likethe coaches and the environment at Auburn. I like the way theyplay.”

The Bulldogs have had a series of injuries to cope with. Runningback Alex Smith is recovering from a collarbone injury and wasexpected back at practice Tuesday.

According to Collins, his older brother, Donnie Dillon, used toplay for Franklin County. His cousin, Marcus Tillman, is a juniordefensive end for the Ole Miss Rebels.

Collins expects to play Southeastern Conference football nextseason.

In his spare time, Collins enjoys watching television. Hisfavorite college team is Georgia and his favorite NFL team isIndianapolis. Quarterback Vince Young of the Tennessee Titans ishis favorite player.

FAVORITES

Birthday: Oct. 20, 1989

Food: Pepperoni Pizza

Dessert: Red Velvet Cake

TV Show: Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Movie: Mr. and Mrs. Smith

Subject: Math

College: Georgia

NFL Team: Indianapolis

NFL Player: Vince Young