2021 NFL Draft: Meet CFB’s newest star in Tulsa LB Zaven Collins
By Cory Kinnan
Where Zaven Collins wins
Even with his size comparative to other linebackers, Collins is such a fluid athlete on the field at Tulsa, and it translates in his pursuit. The Tulsa linebacker possesses active feet, which allow for him to change directions at the drop of a dime. He has no issue getting parallel down the line of scrimmage. This fluidity and change of direction translates to his ability in coverage as well.
Collins can navigate from landmark to landmark, assignment to assignment in zone coverage; he has no problem getting depth in his drop back either, and can take on running backs out of the backfield in man coverage as well. Most importantly on the defensive side of the ball, when Collins has the ball carrier in his sight, he does not miss.
Well equipped to get into space, Collins excels at breaking down in the open field in order to make the play for the Tulsa defense. Getting in position is no problem for the Tulsa linebacker either, as he has the athletic ceiling to close a gap quickly, and plays a highly instinctual brand of defense that allows for him to efficiently diagnose the action in front of him.
Players do not just luck into interceptions or turnovers, they create them. And boy does Collins do a great job of that. Thriving at getting in the passing lane of quarterbacks, Collins has two walk-off interceptions this year, possessing a nose for the football.