2024 Interview with Michigan State Commit Braylon Collier from Perkins High School

Name - Braylon Collier 

School: Perkins High School.

Positions played: Wide Receiver & Defensive Back

Class of 2025

Height: 6’0 and Weight: 170

Awards won or earned

Scholar Athlete - 3.5 GPA

4x letter winner

3x First team all-conference receiver 

2x First Team All-District receiver 

1x First Team All Ohio receiver 

Broke every school receiving record 

2024 season stats: 
1,423 YDS
84 REC
25 TD

Career stats:

3,434 YDS
218 REC
49 TD 

Conference Titles: 3

Regional Titles: 1

What has been the biggest lesson that you have learned from playing football?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned from playing football is that in life not everything is going to go your way; even if you may be used to winning or having things go your way, it isn’t always going to be like that, and when adversity hits, then it’s time to show who you really are and respond. 

What were your feelings as you walked off the field for the last time as a high school football player for Perkins?

There were a lot of emotions running through my head, for sure. Definitely sad that the end of an era has come with great players and coaches, but even better human beings. 

Who was the best player that you faced in a game, along with the team he played on?

The best player I feel like we played was Grady Kinsey from Indian Valley High School.

Who was the best team that you have faced, and what made them so good?

The best team we faced was Glenville, and I’d say what makes them good is their defense.

What was it like playing at Tom Benson Stadium?

Playing at Tom Benson Stadium felt surreal. It’s something you never know if it will happen or not, but you hope so, and if it does, it just simply doesn’t feel real until you’re there on that field. My sophomore year, a couple of my teammates and coaches took a school van over to Canton to watch the Division IV State Championship game, and we all said to each other that we’d be there someday, and sure enough, 2 years later we were right there on that field. We definitely manifested it.

During your high school career, what was the biggest moment?

The biggest moment of my high school career was making it to state. 

If you are invited to play in any of the all-star games, will you? Explain

I will not participate in any all-star games if invited, because I am early enrolling and leaving for college in January. I’m not sure when those games are held, but I’m pretty sure I’ll be gone by then.

What was the toughest part of the 2024 season?

The toughest part of the 2024 season was losing my teammate Weston Sturzinger before the season. For those of you who don’t know, he is a safety who holds multiple Division 1 offers, and before the season even started, he tore everything in his knee and more. 

What makes you a good teammate?

What makes me a good teammate is that I’m fun to be around and easy to talk to, not just about football but life in general. 

Which part of your game must you improve on before you start your college career?

The part of my game I’d say I must improve on before I start my college career is everything, to be honest. There is always something to work on and get better at, and if you chase perfection, you can catch excellence.

Could you name some of the schools that recruited you? 

Some of the schools that recruited me were Ohio State, Iowa, Iowa State, Indiana, Michigan State, Vanderbilt, and a majority of the MAC schools.

What made you choose Michigan State?

What made me choose Michigan State was the people, for sure. You can go anywhere in the country, but if the people aren’t up to par, then you’re not going to be happy. Another big reason I chose Michigan State was Coach Hawkins. He’s a proven coach sending guys like Jayden Reed, Keon Coleman, and Jalen Nailor to the league. I’m sure you’ve heard of Nick Marsh as well, a true freshman receiver putting up big numbers, so that’s definitely appealing for a young guy like myself. Obviously nothing is going to be handed to me, and I will work every single day as hard as I can to be able to be an early contributor. Also, seeing a refresh in the program with Coach Smith coming over from Oregon State, with Aidan Chiles with him as well, was something that caught my attention too. I want to be able to be a part of building something.

Who are your role models?

My role models are my parents, for sure. They’ve taught me mostly everything I know and have been there for me since day one.

What is your go-to snack?

My go-to snacks are Nutter Butter crackers or Kellogg’s fruit snacks for sure.

What is a talent or skill that you have that might shock your teammates and/or friends?

I can sing.