Swedish defensive tackle Thomas Collins embraces Big 12 physicality, leaning on teammates and coaching to conquer a demanding new conference challenge.
Thomas Collins made the jump from the Pac-12 to the Big 12 when he transferred to UCF, and he is looking forward to competing in a stacked Power Four conference.
The 6-foot-1, 282-pound defensive tackle is entering his junior campaign with the Knights. He is working alongside Horace Lockett Jr. and RJ Jackson Jr., who are key returners for defensive tackle coach Kenny Martin.
Collins, the Gothenburg, Sweden native, said his teammates are instrumental in helping him acclimate to the Big 12 competition and what's required to succeed against tougher opponents.
"The details like when we're coming off the sideline," Collins said after Thursday's spring practice. "Them being there giving us keys on how to move more properly in the system, and how to make plays while not being in the best position to make plays and just getting to the ball."
Jumping conferences is a tough task for Collins, who played two seasons at Oregon State and started playing football when he was 13 or 14 years old.
In two years with the Beavers, he totaled 44 tackles (20 solo), two pass deflections and one sack.
Despite underwhelming production, Collins said he is bringing speed to the defensive tackle unit and is competing with his teammate, Jeffson Lafontant.
"It's a little speed and age," Collins said. "Obviously, we got Jeffson, who's adding speed. So, me and him are trying to outrun each other every day. But that competition in the room makes everything so much better."
While Collins is learning from Lockett Jr. and Jackson Jr. and competing with Lafontant, Martin played a significant role in recruiting the former Beaver to play for the Knights.
Collins entered the transfer portal on Jan. 2 and committed to UCF a week later. His interaction with Martin sold him on transferring.
"He picked me up at the airport, and like the whole ride back to this facility, we just talked about football," Collins said. "Pass rush moves and the details of the rush in order to be successful. So, just that aspect of getting right into football and his love for the game."
Martin helped add more talent to the position group he is overseeing and Collins, with the help of his teammates, is getting used to the Big 12 competition and understanding what is required to succeed in a stacked Power Four conference.
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