Texas DT Alfred Collins reveals his driving motivation to make game-changing play against Arkansas
Collins, a senior from Bastrop, makes game-changing play by forcing a fumble late in fourth quarter
ABC cameras couldn’t cut away from Texas defensive tackle Alfred Collins during Saturday’s broadcast against Arkansas. The big senior from Bastrop was smiling too much.
Moments before, Collins reached out and slapped the ball away from freshman receiver CJ Brown, who had just made his first catch of the season. Safety Michael Taaffe pounced on the loose ball, and the Longhorns took over with 6:55 remaining at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
This wasn't just your average forced fumble. Collins lunged at Brown and used every bit of his 6-foot-5 frame to knock it out. It's the type of effort play defensive coaches will be overjoyed with during Sunday film session.
“Man, I just wanted to keep the ball back to the offense,” Collins said. “Do what I gotta do.”
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The Texas offense took over at its own 27 and drained the clock to secure a 20-10 victory. The third-ranked Longhorns (9-1, 5-1 SEC) still hold a share of first place in the SEC race and still control their own destiny as far as the College Football Playoff is concerned.
Collins has been a huge reason why this Texas team is headed for the postseason. And he was on the field in 2021 when Arkansas stomped Texas with a 40-21 decision in Collins’ sophomore year. My how the tables have turned.
“Man, I’ll never forget that game. That was an eye-opening game,” Collins said. “We had to show that we’re the best defense in the nation. So I feel like we did.
“I don’t want to lose to them again. No.”
Collins is doing what every senior should — play their best in their final year. This is far and away Collins’ best season with the Horns, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Texas entered the year with huge question marks up front, having lost Byron Murphy and T’Vondre Sweat to the NFL. Collins has steadily grown all season long, making six tackles against Georgia and six more against Vanderbilt.
Collins had a season-high seven tackles against Arkansas, two tackles for loss and one of UT’s six sacks, in addition to that vital forced fumble. Also this season, Collins has blocked a field goal and tipped two passes that resulted in interceptions.
“I mean, Alfred Collins, what a game,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Saturday.
Collins was a high school All-American at Cedar Creek High School. His freshman year in 2020, Texas played in the Alamo Bowl, and Collins made a dazzling one-handed interception that stopped everyone in their tracks.
As the years progressed, Collins had to work behind other players, like Murphy and Sweat, and wait his turn. This season, Collins has been unleashed, starting for a unit that is angling to finish as the No. 1 defense in the nation.
“I’m gonna give my all every week,” Collins said. “I love these guys, everybody in the organization, the whole team. I wouldn’t be here without them.”
