MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama football wide receiver Sa'Mory Collier recently sat down with USAJaguars.com to discuss what he learned last season playing behind Josh Magee, the opportunity to open the season against two quality opponents and what he likes to do in his spare time, among other things.
Collier, a senior from Owassa, Okla., transferred into the program last season from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College located in Miami, Okla., after being a member of the Norsemen program for three seasons, although he did not play in 2015. In his first year in a Jaguar uniform, Collier saw action in 11 contests where he caught four balls for 58 yards. The first two receptions of his career came at Louisiana-Monroe and recorded a career-long 22-yard reception.at Idaho Thanksgiving weekend.
In South's last outing, Collier recorded his first caree touchdown on a 66-yard pass late in the second quarter against Alabama A&M.
Despite the limited experience from last season, what did you learn from it and how have you improved since last year?
"I played behind Josh Magee last season and he was one of the greater players to have played here. It was good for me to watch him and get those mental reps on the sideline and see how he ran certain routes and what he did against certain coverages. I was just able to season myself for this season."
What were some areas you wanted to focus on improving during the offseason?
"I definitely wanted to get stronger in the weight room to help myself become a more explosive type player."
How do you feel the offseason conditioning program has you achieve that goal?
"Our strength and conditioning program is great. We have a new coach, Lance Ancar, who has done a great job of getting us ready and healthy for the season."
How do you feel the team has progressed since the start of fall camp?
"We've made some big strides on the offensive side of the ball, especially in our third-down and red-zone offense."
What do you like most about playing in offensive coordinator Bryant Vincent's scheme?
"I like the distribution of the ball. We have a lot of talent on our offense and he spreads it around to use out talents."
Were there any similarities in what you did offensively in high school or junior college?
"We run a couple of similar plays, but for the most part it's new. It's just football though so there are always similarities."
With it being a new type of offensive scheme than you had been used to, how was the transition for you?
"I see myself as a smart football guy, so I feel I was able to adjust myself to the scheme pretty quickly."
What do you feel are some of the strengths of the offense?
"I would definitely say that it's our passing game. We've got some quarterbacks that can sling it and some receivers who can run."
What factored into your decision to come to South Alabama?
"It was definitely the area and the weather down here. I love those two things. I would also say the Southern culture."
How do you feel opening up against two quality opponents help both the team and the offense?
"It was a great opportunity for us to go up against a couple of big schools where you really get to test your talent and just go out there and have a good time."
What are some keys for the offense needs to do in order to be successful?
"Executing and staying disciplined, those are the two things that will take us over the top."
Being from Oklahoma, how often is your family able to attend games?
"They aren't able to attend many. My mom though picks and chooses which ones she wants to travel to. They came to Oklahoma State and I know for sure that they are planning on coming to the Georgia State game because my mom wants to go to Atlanta."
How did junior college help prepare you for Division I football?
"It's not the same speed as Division I football, but it got me used to college schemes and college plays."
How do you feel like you have improved since junior college?
"I've definitely improved on the little things like footwork. Coach [Tyler] Siskey has helped me out a lot in my development in my time here."
What are some goals you set for yourself this season?
"To be honest, my goals aren't really for me personally. I just want to do my job and play my role on the team to help us win. Winning is the big thing for me. I just want to do what I can to help out the offense."
What type of leadership role have you assumed on the team?
"I definitely have taken on a leadership role. I've tried to show the younger guys little things here and there in coverages and their route running to help them become better."
Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
"My mom. She's always been there for me and I feel that she's the greatest mom I could've asked for. She's always supported me in anything that I did."
What other sports did you play growing up?
"Baseball was my number one love growing up, but over time football won me over."
What do you like to do in your spare time?
"I love to listen to music, free-climb and long board. I love to be outdoors and do adventurous stuff."
Is there a moment from your playing career that stands out to you?
"I would have to say that it was my senior season of high school football. I broke my arm as a junior and wasn't able to play so that year was the only one I was able to play in high school. My senior season was really fun and that's when I found out that I could play at the next level."
What are you wanting to do after your football career is over?
"I would love to go play in the NFL, who wouldn't. To play in the NFL is a long-term goal of mine, but once I get out of football, I want to do something that's working outdoors. I love to be outdoors."
For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).
Join the Jaguar Athletic Fund (JAF) Priority Fund, the unrestricted giving option of the University of South Alabama Athletics. Contributions to the Priority Fund directly support all 17 sports in addition to various support programming. For more information on how you can join visit: http://jaguarathleticfund.com/sports/2013/3/13/Gridiron%20Club.aspx?id=22
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