Curtis Collins: Football means a lot to me it has always played a big part in my life and kept a fire lit under me for everybody who never believed in me as a person or a player. And gives my family something to be proud about when it comes to me trying to provide for them in the future.
Joe Gaiter: Where are you from and how was your childhood?
Curtis Collins: I’m from Indianapolis Indiana born and raised and my child hood was pretty good for the most part I had both my parents growing up in the same household and a lot of siblings so I always had that team mentality growing up with such a big family. And learning how to work well with others. But my child hood was also always challenging with growing always having to prove myself or make myself stand out from everybody else.
Joe Gaiter: When did you first start getting into sports?
Curtis Collins: I first got into sports at a very young age I would play street football with my brothers and sisters in the front of my house with my neighbors. I always felt like I could compete with my brothers and sisters or anyone older than me so I would play with them night in and night out. Eventually until I was old enough to sign up and play youth football which started in second grade than the rest was history.
Joe Gaiter: What you commit to Notre Dame College for college?
Curtis Collins: I felt like Notre Dame really wanted me in their program and was really first of very few schools to offer me and showed a lot of interest in me. The location of the campus reminded me of home somewhat and the environment and the people and my parents and family could catch some games since I was 5 hours from home so it worked out best.
Joe Gaiter: What is your role on the team?
Curtis Collins: Currently my role on my team is too put my team in the best position to win week in and week out and be a vocal and example setting leader and to help create a winning environment.
Joe Gaiter: What motivates you on the field?
Curtis Collins: The biggest motivation for me on the field is wanting to be the bet player nobody every thought I could be and my parents they sacrificed a lot for me to be here and I know that’s cliché to say in these type of interviews but if you knew how many times I didn’t have it and I wanted they’re the reason why I feel like this way to have it. And most importantly I want to give my dad that proud father moment of accomplishing many dads can’t say their sons have done so when I’m able to hand him that one gift he has always wanted until then I’m going to continue to be hungry and find a way eat on the field.
Joe Gaiter: What are your predictions for your team this season?
Curtis Collins: We’re going to make a deep run in the playoffs and shock the world and hopefully put Notre dame college on the map once and for all.
Joe Gaiter: What is the chemistry like on your team?
Curtis Collins: The chemistry on our team is enjoyable were a very funny team with high energy and many different personalities that help go with our confidence on the field.
Joe Gaiter: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Curtis Collins: In 5 years I see myself on someone’s NFL roster and being one the best defender the game has seen in a while from a Division 2 school.
Joe Gaiter: Do you feel like your talent is overlooked?
Curtis Collins: At point in times in my life I feel like it is overlooked a lot by people just because a lot of people can’t find something to compare me too so it worries them. And I’m not your typical Strong safety I can play in the box or lined on a slot receiver I take pride in being overlooked or always having to prove myself it makes me that much more confident in dominating the man across from me and throughout the game.
Joe Gaiter: Besides football what other things are you into?
Curtis Collins: Besides football I’m very big into art and music I like enjoying a good concert and really living in the moment while some performs music that comes from the heart. Traveling would have to be one too getting to know the world I live in and seeing different cultures and ethnicity is very dope to me keeps me grounded.
Joe Gaiter: Final Words?
Curtis Collins: Last words would have to be Don’t let any one stop you from achieving your dreams no matter how silly they sound to people if they don’t sound crazy to somebody your not dreaming big enough honestly.
