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Southern Miss OLB Jamie Collins put scouts on notice at the NFL Combine, turning in an impressive performance on Monday.
The 6'3, 250 pound defender started out the day running a 4.64 in the 40 yard dash, one of the fastest times out of all linebackers. He followed that up with an 11'7 broad jump, leading all linebackers. Finally, he blew away the field with an incredible 41.5 inch vertical leap, making most NBA players blush. He came just one inch away from breaking Roger McIntosh's record of 42.5.
Collins, one of the few bright spots in an 0-12 season with the Golden Eagles, entered the Combine regarded as one of the best pure athletes in the LB class, but he still managed to exceed expectations. SB Nation ranked him eighth among all OLBs. CBS Sports had him ranked ninth and Derek Stephens compares him to K.J. Wright, while noting that he still has work to do on his football technique:
Like Wright, Collins possesses a unique combination of speed, fluidity and flexibility for his size. However, when Wright came out of Mississippi State, he displayed better all-around instincts and motor than what we've seen out of Collins, who is probably the more gifted athlete. Right now, Collins looks like a developmental project with starting-caliber potential if the fundamentals and instincts can improve.
Collins has more than proved his athletic ability, and it's a safe bet that more scouts will be demanding some Southern Miss tape after Monday's perforamnce.