Alfred Collins, DT for the Texas Longhorns, Posts a Heartfelt Message in the NFL Draft

Alfred Collins, DT for the Texas Longhorns, Posts a Heartfelt Message as He Declares for the NFL Draft

Introduction

In college football, there are players who make an indelible impact on the field, but some players leave a legacy that transcends mere statistics and accolades. Alfred Collins, a dynamic defensive tackle (DT) for the Texas Longhorns, is one such player. After a standout career at Texas, Collins has made the decision to take the next step in his football journey by declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. His announcement was more than just a professional decision; it was an emotional moment for him, his family, and Texas Longhorns fans. In a heartfelt message to his supporters and the Texas community, Collins reflected on his experiences at the university, his growth as a player, and his readiness to take on the challenge of the NFL.

This article will dive into Collins’ impact on the Texas Longhorns football program, his decision to declare for the NFL Draft, the heartfelt message he posted to his followers, and what lies ahead for this talented defensive lineman as he prepares for the next chapter of his career.

Alfred Collins: A Rising Star at Texas

Alfred Collins’ football journey began in Bastrop, Texas, where he played at Bastrop High School. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism quickly caught the attention of college recruiters, and in 2020, he committed to the Texas Longhorns. Collins was heralded as one of the top recruits in the country and quickly made an impact once he stepped onto the field in Austin. Known for his explosive first step and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield, Collins was a force on the Texas defensive line, and it didn’t take long for him to become a key contributor to the Longhorns defense.

During his time at Texas, Collins established himself as one of the top defensive tackles in college football. He was known for his physicality, size (6’6″, 310 pounds), and the ability to both collapse the pocket as a pass rusher and anchor the defensive line against the run. As a freshman, he showed promise, but it was his growth over the next few seasons that truly solidified his place as one of the top defensive players in the country.

Early Years and Key Moments

Collins’ freshman year was marked by flashes of brilliance, but it was his sophomore and junior seasons where he truly began to emerge as a dominant force. In his sophomore year, Collins earned praise for his relentless motor, his ability to clog up running lanes, and his versatility in the pass rush. He had a knack for getting into the backfield, tallying key tackles for loss and sacks. His size and speed made him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines, and he became a central figure in Texas’ defensive game plans.

One of the standout moments of Collins’ Texas career came during the 2023 season, where he truly came into his own. In several key games, Collins dominated the line of scrimmage, showcasing his exceptional quickness, his strong hands, and his ability to read plays. His performance was a critical factor in Texas’ defensive success, and he played a pivotal role in the Longhorns’ strong finish to the season. Collins was able to showcase not only his physical tools but also his mental and emotional growth as a player — transitioning from a raw prospect to a polished, well-rounded defensive lineman.

It was clear that Collins had the potential to be one of the top defensive prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft. His ability to dominate at the collegiate level was a testament to the hard work he had put in, and the NFL scouts began to take notice. In 2025, after much deliberation, Collins made the decision to declare for the draft, signaling the next step in his football journey.

The Decision to Declare for the NFL Draft

When a college player decides to declare for the NFL Draft, it is often a bittersweet moment. For many, it marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. In Collins’ case, his decision to leave Texas was made with great thought and reflection. He had made an undeniable impact on the Texas football program, and leaving was not an easy choice. But after considering his growth as a player, his development under the guidance of head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Texas coaching staff, and his readiness for the professional level, Collins knew it was time to take the next step in his career.

His decision also came after a year of incredible performances, where he demonstrated his ability to be a disruptor on the defensive line and showed that he could excel in both pass rushing and run stopping. His combination of size, agility, and football IQ made him one of the top prospects in his position, and it was clear that his future in the NFL was bright.

As part of his announcement, Collins posted a heartfelt message on social media, thanking his family, coaches, teammates, and the entire Texas Longhorns community for their support throughout his career. The message not only expressed his gratitude but also underscored how meaningful his time at Texas had been.

Collins’ Heartfelt Message: Gratitude and Reflection

In his emotional social media post, Alfred Collins expressed deep gratitude for the people who had helped him get to this point. The tone of the message reflected a sense of humility and appreciation, not just for the accolades and accomplishments, but for the relationships he had built during his time at Texas. Below is a breakdown of the key themes and sentiments expressed in his message.

Gratitude to His Family

Collins began his message by thanking his family for their unwavering support throughout his football journey. He acknowledged the sacrifices his parents had made for him to chase his dreams and expressed how much their love and encouragement meant to him. The decision to pursue a career in the NFL was not only his, but a family decision that had been shaped by years of hard work and dedication.

Collins’ connection to his family is an integral part of his character. He often spoke about how his parents and siblings kept him grounded throughout his college career, reminding him of the importance of humility, work ethic, and perseverance. For Collins, declaring for the NFL Draft was not just a personal achievement, but a moment to make his family proud.

Thanking Coaches and Teammates

In his post, Collins also expressed deep appreciation for his coaches and teammates at Texas. He highlighted how the coaching staff, led by head coach Steve Sarkisian, had played a pivotal role in his development as both a player and a person. Sarkisian, along with the other coaches, helped Collins hone his skills, develop his leadership abilities, and understand the game at a deeper level. The support and mentorship he received from the coaching staff were invaluable, and Collins made sure to recognize their contributions in his message.

Collins also expressed his gratitude to his teammates, many of whom had become lifelong friends and mentors. He acknowledged how they pushed him to be better every day and how they created a sense of camaraderie that made the Texas football program so special. Whether it was on the practice field or in the locker room, Collins credited his teammates for their role in his growth as a player.

Reflecting on His Time at Texas

Perhaps the most powerful part of Collins’ message was his reflection on his time at Texas. He spoke about how much the university had shaped him, not just as a football player, but as an individual. Collins mentioned the pride he felt wearing the Longhorns uniform and representing a program with such a rich tradition and history of success. He acknowledged the hard work and sacrifices required to succeed at a program like Texas, and how those lessons would stay with him as he transitioned to the next level.

The Longhorns have a storied football history, and Collins was honored to be part of that legacy. He recognized the incredible platform Texas provided him, both on and off the field. It was clear that his time in Austin had shaped him into the man he was today, and he expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to play for such a prestigious program.

The NFL Dream

As part of his announcement, Collins spoke about his excitement for the next chapter in his football career: the NFL. He acknowledged that the journey ahead would be challenging, but he was ready for the hard work and dedication that it would take to succeed at the highest level. For Collins, declaring for the NFL Draft was not just about pursuing a dream; it was about achieving the goal he had set for himself from the moment he started playing football. He expressed confidence in his ability to compete at the NFL level and was eager to show scouts, coaches, and fans what he could do.

What’s Next for Alfred Collins?

As Collins prepares for the NFL Draft, he is already turning his attention to the next phase of his football career. The NFL Draft process is an intense and often grueling journey, filled with interviews, workouts, and evaluations from coaches and scouts. Collins will need to demonstrate his skills and showcase his ability to contribute at the professional level. His size, athleticism, and versatility make him a highly sought-after prospect, and it is likely that he will hear his name called early in the draft.

But beyond the football field, Collins is also committed to continuing his education and growing as a person. He made it clear in his message that, while his football career is a major part of his life, he values his personal growth and development just as much. He hopes to continue to serve as a role model for young athletes and to make a positive impact both on and off the field.