He drops low into his back pedal and the footwork is precise, honed in all those 6 A.M. training sessions at Athletic Republic. Collin Gill, a 3-star defensive back from St. John's College Prep in Baltimore, Maryland, has emerged as one of the breakout stars of Oregon fall camp.
Just a freshman in his first few weeks with the team, he's 6-0, 215 with a 40-inch vertical and a 10-foot broad jump, explosive and strong. At the Ducks second scrimmage last Saturday he nabbed a pair of interceptions, showing decisively why he's ready to contribute right away as a newcomer to college football.
Dan Lanning told the media, "He's probably working more at STAR for us more than anything right now. He had a couple of interceptions on Saturday, which is pretty impressive for him. Still, at times he's got to get figured out where he's supposed to line up but he's a guy it's a willing tackler, willing to hit, and he's done a good job when the ball has been thrown his way."
The work ethic is a product of his family structure. When he and his brothers Ryan and Austin wanted an increase in their allowance to buy video games, their mom and home-school teacher Celena told them, "Your toy budget is maxed out--you'll either have to get a job or start a business."
With their mother's guidance the three started Frères Branchiaux Candle Company, a vegan and artisanal candle company that contributes 10% of its profits to homeless shelters nationwide. Online and in specialty stores they sell a complete line of candles, diffusers, room sprays and bath salts.
It's a real company with a warehouse and employees. All three boys log hours in the shop and process orders, manage staff, work on the website.
Collin approaches football with the same meticulous and forward-looking discipline. He's learned to market himself, choosing Oregon over two dozen other schools.
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