Aviante Collins has what Vikings need to play left guard: athleticism and a ‘nasty streak’
As soon as Vikings running back Roc Thomas caught a screen pass from Trevor Siemian on Saturday night against the Broncos in Denver, his eyes got big as he spotted a pair of 300-pound teammates in front of him to clear the way. A few blocks later, he ran untouched for an electrifying 78-yard touchdown.
While the speedy Thomas got the glory, and rightfully so, a closer look shows the sequence started with an outstanding kickout block by left guard Aviante Collins. Seventy-eight yards later, Collins was the first person to reach Thomas in the end zone, showcasing surprising speed to get there.
Not bad for a guy who had never played on the interior of the offensive line before last week.
“I feel like every player in this league has something special about them,” said Collins, a second-year tackle out of Texas Christian who moved inside after starting left guard Nick Easton’s season-ending neck surgery. “Somebody is super strong. Somebody is super smart. Somebody has long arms or good feet or something like that. My thing is that I’m athletic. I use those gifts that God gave me to my advantage.”
https://www.twincities.com/2018/08/14/vikings-ol-aviante-collins-showcasing-nasty-streak-as-he-moves-inside/
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
If I remember right Collins has something like the 3rd fastest 40 for an olineman in combine history. 4.81 and did like 34 reps. Athletically he’s a freak, just needed time to develop.
With his strength and athleticism, I hope the Vikings give him a long look at LG.
Edit Post (mod action — author will see a notice)
Warn Poster
Suspend User (3 days)
The user will be suspended for 3 days and will receive an email with the reason and information about how to appeal.