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Senior Nate Collins has moved from nose tackle to defense end this spring on the Cavalier defense. He has played in all 37 games during the past three seasons and is expected to be a key contributor on the UVa defensive line this fall. He talks about Virginia’s Spring Practices as the team prepares for Saturday’s 2 p.m. scrimmage following the Spring Football Festival at Scott Stadium.
Question: Give an overall evaluation of how spring football went this year.
Collins: As a whole our defense is playing real well. There are a lot of new guys out there and we have a lot of young guys jumping into spots but everything has come together really well and guys seem to be stepping up.
As for me, somewhat learning a new position at defensive end, I feel like I have grasp of things and I’ve moved forward and I’m starting to play well at the position. I’m feeling confident about my spot. I think we’re ready to start the year off right.
Question: What’s the biggest difference between playing nose tackle and defensive end?
Collins: For me, it is concentrating on my footwork a lot more and knowing my assignments. It is more critical on the outside. When I was inside, it was more of a closed area and there were times I could take bad steps, but because the area was so small, I could still be in the right spot. Now I have to really focus on my footwork and know what my keys are.
Question: Moving to the outside, does that afford you the opportunity to make more plays for the defense?
Collins: Yes and no. It is still the same defense, but believe it or not, the three d-linemen in our defense do the same thing. I guess on the outside, there are more chances you can make plays and get to the ball more because there is more open space. When you are in the middle, you might get a path to the outside, but it might be a little too far for you help on a tackle. Now, since I’m out there, it gives me a little more room to get out to those plays.
Question: Talk about first-year coach Chad Wilt taking over the coaching duties for the defensive line.
Collins: Coach Wilt is a great guy. I like his style of coaching. He is really pushing us to be more urgent at practice. We’re always running to the ball. He’s a strong believer that when we start playing games, if we are in the habit of running to the ball, then we will always do it. By this point in our practices, I think we are doing a great job of that. We’re learning a lot of new things under him. He is totally different than the past few coaches we have had. We all like his style and his methods. I think they are starting to work. As a whole, I think the defensive line has taken a couple of steps forward this spring.
Question: How does your role change on the team as a senior and being one of the veteran leaders?
Collins: I think I have to be a lot more vocal. I have been trying to do that over these last 14 practices. I’m a senior now and this is my last year and now I’m a veteran. Although I am the same age as the core of our team right now, when I came in I was the only freshman who played. Because of that, I’m one of the most veteran players on the team right now.
Question: There’s been a lot of buzz about the spread offense. What’s been the most difficult part of playing defense against it?
Collins: Everything. I feel bad for the defenses that have to play against our offense. We defensive linemen talk about it all the time. We hate when we go against it. As much as everyone might think that d-linemen should love this because they can get a lot of sacks and things like that; it’s really a quick passing offense and rarely are we going to get to the quarterback. It is working for the offense and they are doing a good job with it, so I’m all for it. But, after going against it, it is a tough offense. With the guys we have over there running it, they are doing a great job.
Question: Have you ever played against a no huddle team in the past?
Collins: Only Texas Tech and I only played a couple of snaps in that game. I really haven’t played against anything like the way our offense is doing it.
Question: Who are the young, emerging players on the defense that will make an impact next season?
Collins: I would say Steven Greer is going to be a big playmaker and so is Rodney McLeod and Billy Schautz. I think, of the guys who didn’t play last year, those three are going to make a lot of noise this year.
Question: There are a lot of holes to fill at the linebacker positions. Give your evaluation of how they did this spring.
Collins: I think that Darren (Childs) and Steven Greer did a great job this whole spring. There were basically two new linebackers there this spring and all of the defensive linemen were wondering how we were going to be because when we had Jon Copper back there, it was like having another coach on the field. Copper always had you in the right spot at the right time. These guys really stepped up and they are doing that and being vocal. I remember when Steven Greer first got here he wasn’t too vocal, but playing that linebacker spot, you have to be. Now he is yelling and getting guys in the right spot, getting in all the gaps he needs to and being physical. He’s doing a great job. As a whole, the linebacking corps right now, the starters and the backups, are doing a great job. Aaron Taliaferro is learning a new position inside and he and Darnell (Carter) are doing a good job with the second group.
Question: Finally, the most burning question in the locker room this spring … which linebacker has the best hands?
Collins: (Laughs) I would say Billy Schautz. I think he is the only one with a pick this spring.