Deseret News | BYU football: Collie's next route: the NFL

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BYU football: Collie's next route: the NFL

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Difference between Tebow... | 3:51 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

and Collie: Tebow simply thanks Jesus for his athletic abilities while Collie attributes the team's success to their righteousness. HUGE DIFFERENCE! As an active Mormon, nothing disgusts me (and probably most non-members) more about our culture than the self-righteous image displayed by just a few, which unfortunately is too often associated with BYU.

And this is News? | 3:51 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Utah National Champions is the news.

Tanner P | 3:55 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Re Provo Joe: Collie is not to slow! he has what people call game speed, he doesn't get slower with pads on. Also Bryant and Crabtree are both sophomores, and haven't been redshirted so they can't go to the draft. Harvin also might come back, and if he doesn't he is small for wide receiver so he'll probably play running back or only slot receiver. He will never be a top receiver, while Collie has the potential to be. Collie has speed, runs nice routes, has great hands, and isn't afraid to be physical. He definetly gets pi called too much, but if he works on that he could be a 2nd-3rd round pick.

Comments continue below

Better in college than pros | 3:54 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Collie is a legit college receiver, but Freddie Brown and Brent Casteel will have better pro careers

Amen to "I bleed blue" | 3:55 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Collie was really, really good, but this Jacobson kid has the potential to be even better! We all (ute fans included) remember it was his (Jacobson"s) big catch in RES that set up the Beck to Harline (one of the greatest plays in the rivalry) touchdown pass just over two years ago.

This only sets up the rest of the receivers staying in the program, i.e. Pitta, George, Chambers, Jacobson, Ashworth, on and on and on, for a great year(s) ahead. This indeed will be an explosive offense, with multiple weapons, and a friendly home conference schedule.

Two years from now, we will saying how great this kid is and the memory of Collie will all but be gone.

No predictions from this fan, don't want to stir any pots, but i for one am looking forward to next year.

REDHAWK | 3:57 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Collie playing on Sunday? Non-issue. Supporting his family comes first and at this time it is Pro football that will do that best for him. With Max Hall showing signs of self-destructing I don't blame him a bit.

I am a firefighter and an Ex-cop and I worked on many Sundays. My wife is a nurse and she works on Sunday occasionally also. How about the Mormon Tabernacle Choir broadcasts on Sundays? I bet somebody is doing some work then too.

It is a personal thing for Collie and nobody should be judging him.

Personally i don't like him and really don't like the Cougar's fans much but he is a great athlete and I am happy he won't be lining up against the Utes or Rams next year...now what about Pitta and Unga.

Go Utes. Go Rams

bergstro | 4:12 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I'm a total Collie-hating cougar basher. BUT, once he moves on all is forgiven. I'll cheer for any MWC product. Someone be sure to tell the team that drafts him not to let him talk to the press...

what!?!? | 4:17 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

And just when it couldn't get any worse for BYU fans.... I think I'm going to cry!!!

Thanks for the memories... | 4:16 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Thanks for the memories Austin. One of the funniest things I will remember just happened in this year's Utes game. In the BYU section we chanted "You Cant Stop Him" and you should have seen the steam coming out their ears. They got the best of us in that game, but they never got the best of you. Great job for the Cougs! Thank you!

Great program. | 4:20 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

By the way Utes... underclassmen signing early happens in programs like ours. No biggie. Receiver is definitely not an area of concern. If I recall though, there's no one special waiting to take the place of your grads. Oh, except finally Whittingham recruits. Oh oh.

too bad | 4:21 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

hate to see him go and I would do the same. i'm a huge fan. however when its all said and done i think he'll be luck to make a team and may end up in canada. too many talented big and speedy receivers out there. i'll be rooting for him.

Better than any Ute? | 5:19 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Wow, you must not have heard of Steve Smith of the Panthers. Dude's a head case, but I'd put him on my team any day!

OlyUte | 5:25 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Only byu fans would be angry @ a kid trying to do better for himself and his family. This is purely his decision.

No one here would think twice about trying to become financially stable at something you're pretty good at, and something you love doing.

I didn't love the guy as a Ute fan, but there's no denying that he was a great player, like him or hate him. He probably is too slow, but like almost every player in our conference, he was never good enough. We weren't supposed to beat 'Bama. Weddle wasn't highly recruited. Our guys have all heard that they weren't good/big/fast enough.

Let the kid take his crack and hope it works out for his family's sake. What's so wrong about that?

As for this Utah/byu thing ... we beat you soundly WITH him. It's not that big a deal with him gone, though it can't hurt.

The y and your players are hardly our focus ... it's just gravy. Football is over & it's now time for off-season smack & speculation. Every article leading up to the Sugar Bowl was jam-packed w/comments from y fans. It's the nature of the beast.

Collie fan | 5:32 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I don't think Collie will have a ton of trouble in the NFL because of his speed. He did pretty well against a very good Arizona team. He also torched Verner from UCLA. Utah's defense is great and he still got a 100 yard game playing them. Collie's played very solid defenses in college and has played against great corners like Cason from Arizona (and Bryce McCain too, right Ute fans?) Colllie will do alright in the NFL.

Great program? | 5:35 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

OK, QB is up in the air, but I think Asiata, Reed, Wesson and Key will fill in nicely for Mack, Godfrey, Casteel and Brown. I see Vroman picking up where Sakoda left off. O-line returns 4 of 5. Defense returns 9 of 11, and even if Kruger goes, we're picking up Aiono from Snow College, who's only rated the #1 JC transfer product in the country. So I'd say those Whittingham recruits are shaping up nicely, thanks! Go UTES!!

TERRIBLE CHOICE | 5:36 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

What are you thinking your not gonna even be 11th string

dumb | 5:38 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

So when you retire and need a job no education.

Not a good pro | 5:38 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Collie will get his butt kicked in the pros

Looking forward to the silence.. | 5:39 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Maybe he will be drafted by NY, the same team that drafted Kehl. Then the Giants will win that most coveted "most obnoxious" award.

Athletes | 5:44 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I'll be the first to admit that BYU's LDS all-star team doesn't typically produce a ton of speed or elite athleticism. But Collie's eventual replacement - Jacobson - would be considered fast on ANY team. Hopefully he comes back like Emery (BYU basketball) and hasn't lost much from his mission. Chambers and Ashworth are also good athletes by any standard and Pitta is an excellent athlete at the TE position. Pendleton and So'to are good athletes with speed on defense. But generally BYU is always slower overall than top teams.

As usual, Utah fans | 5:47 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Can't focus on their own team. They have to come over to Austin Collie articles to bash BYU. Utah fans will NEVER be as interested in their own team as they are with BYU. Even this year, when they won the Sugar Bowl. Utah Utes= good team, good coach and pathetic fans.

GoUtes! | 5:49 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

As a Ute fan, I'm happy to see Austin go before next year's Utah-BYU game. He was the best player on the field by a long way in this year's Utah-BYU game.

Anonymous | 5:53 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Congratulations to Austin Collie. As a UofU fan, I have to admit that I have been hoping to hear this announcement since the season ended. Collie was a wonderful player on the field and I wish him the best of luck in his professional endeavors.

Go for it! | 5:52 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Let the young man pursue his dreams!

The Sly Spy | 5:56 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Here is the deal: God became angry with Austin when he told the media that magic happens when you are living right. He knows he secretly drinks the caffeinated stuff and regulary shops on Sunday. He also knows he wasn't doing his hometeaching like he should. That is why they didn't win the Moutain West Conference and their bowl game. God does not like to be mocked. I would guess God will forgive his follies as long as he pays his tithing on his million dollar salary. Money talks in the LDS church!

Re: As Usual | 6:06 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Are you really dumb enough to think that articles pertaining to a rivalry as hot as BYU-Utah has been over the last decade will not generate any comments from the other team's fans?

With all the articles earlier in the week about the Sugar Bowl, there were plenty of comments, many positive, but some not so much, from BYU fans. That's why they call it a RIVALRY - because there is interest from both sides!

Our interest in BYU and desire to comment on BYU-related stories does not diminish in any way, shape or form our support or interest for our own team.

As usual... | 6:14 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

BYU fans are expessing their paranoia about those evil Utes reading the supposed "private" articles about their sports teams, as if we're violating some firewall or breaking into a bank or something. Dude, if ya can't stand the heat...

70 | 6:32 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Well, that's the straw that broke this Y fan's back. Audios BYU, you're losing your #1 self-proclaimed fair-weather fan.

Let's go Utes!

duffis | 6:48 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

good luck in the N.F.L. as a ute fan i am glad to see you go....Maybe you can be a great example like ex ute Steve Smith...what a great guy with a non-violent attitude and a love for his fellow teamates.

Jake | 6:58 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I think that collie is going to do super well i think he has the hands the awareness and the talent He is a deep threat he can kick or punt return Hes A perfect fit for Brett Farve or any QB in the NFL

Collie is a Studd BYU will suck with out him Good luck collie
wheelz32

COLLIE | 7:02 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

A great college WR who has mastered the below the waist hand fighting that helps him gain that much needed seperation.

PRO CB's will not fall for the same technique.

PRO SS/FS will not fall for the same technique.

Think of the hit on the WR at the beginning of the Florida/Oklahoma game. That type of intense physical play is far more common in the NFL than anything COLLIE has seen so far.

BEST WISHES!

Re: As Usual | 7:09 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Here's an example of the commentary on the article about Coach Whittingham and Utah's #2 ranking. This happened to be the very first comment on the list, so it's not like I had to scroll and scroll to find it.

"Ute fans, you will always be number two as far as we are concerned.

Love,
BYU fans "

Until you move out of that glass house, Mr As Usual, I'd suggest you throw a few less stones.

Anonymous | 7:11 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

congrats to collie. He is a great receiver. Typical comments from ute fans. They can't just say good luck etc. there always has to be a negative comment or ignorant comment.

Anonymous | 7:50 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Which team do you think would better fit his game. New Orleans Voodoo, New York Dragons or Chicago Rush. Hopefully those teams come back because I don't see him making any NFL team. And I know he couldn't make the Blaze.

Go Collie... | 8:04 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Work on the speed, upper body strength and staying quiet in the press. You have a shot at it !

wayne | 8:28 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

without collie you can count on BYU being out of the national spotlight. it might also mean that byu will not be foregoing the Las Vegaus bowl. BYU will not be 10 game winners eighter without collie. new mexico is not a bad place to spend a the bowl season. unless they recruit some good replacements for collie and some defense back field help BYU will be lucky to be bowl eleagable.

I wish collie well

I hope that bronco can recruit.

look at yourself.. | 8:40 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

he'll never make it... he's not big enough, fast enough, or strong enough. Plus, he gets on cold streaks where he drops every ball that comes his way. I'm sorry collie but you're just not NFL material. if by some dumb chance he does get on a team, he'll never get any playing time,,, unless he's on the lions.. ha.

Brett | 8:45 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

REDHAWK...your comments are "right on"...these dummies that think that no one should work on Sunday...go figure!!!

BLAME THE NFL... | 8:53 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

...NOT COLLIE

Pro sports has robbed the college game. Basketball and Football will never produce the caliber of teams it once did. Pro teams encourage these young men to come out early. With the money that they can earn and the threat of injury it's a no-brainer. How do you think Oklahoma will feel when Bradford opts out as a sophomore? The college game is a joke anyway, players leaving early and the BCS formula, like I said a joke.

BYU will miss him but it may be better for the team, it will put more responsibility on more players and we may see a better product on the field next year believe it or not. By seasons end this year BYU was called Collie University. That's how one dimensional the team became. Good luck to him. He is a winner.

Bleed Blue | 9:00 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

one player does not make a team good maybe that was BYU problem this year Utah seemed like a team to my and the Y seemed like they just werent there, they will do fine next year i have a feeling that jacopson will pick up right were collie left off and he has the appility to do very well in the NFL and he is big enough 205 is a big WR and leading the NCAA in recieving yards is pretty stinkin good he has great hands.

Re: 7:50 | 9:09 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Maybe he'll end up on the same team Alex Smith does.

Recruiting ramifications | 9:22 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Losing Collie hurts BYU for next year, but one thing for sure is that if Collie goes on to have a good NFL career it will help recruiting. Look at that TE they are going to sign this year (Wilson I think), he grew up a Ute fan but will sign with BYU beause of the Cougars legacy of TE's and the success of past these players in the pros (Lewis, Mili, Jolley). BYU has not placed many (if any) decent WR's in the NFL. So this may give them a feather in their cap. I know if I'm a Utah coach recruiting receivers I'm talking about how the best receiver in the NFL is a Ute and how Kevin Dyson was the first receiver taken in his draft class. High school kids want to go to the NFL and they are going to go to the program that will get them there.

Good move | 9:30 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I am a BYU fan. As much as I hate to see Austin leave it is great timing for it. Statistically, he can't move much higher for the pros to see him. I think his hands, speed, and toughness will make him a great player. I just hope to see the chargers pick him up.

The only thing against him is BYU's early draft entries seem to be a bust. Plaisted, Staley, Bradley, etc.. can anyone think of anyone who wasn't a bust from BYU who left early?

Thanks for a couple really great years.

Anonymous | 9:53 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Collie make the right choice to enter the NFL. I know that some BYU fans may be upset, but he would be an ACL injury away from losing millions of dollars by coming back his senior season. With that type of money, he could come back in the off-season to finish in two or three years max if he is on track to graduate right now. Rather than bash him, just wish him well. I'm not a BYU fan , but I wish him the best. Dwight Clark of the 49ers and Fred didn't have tremendous speed either.

Utah Man | 9:52 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I can't stand him but he will be a great reciever in a system. His lack of speed will (if 4.6 is lack of speed which personaly I have never felt he looks slow)will not be a weekness especialy if he ends up on a team that runs to establish the pass.

Anonymous | 10:02 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I'm sorry, but I left off the last name on my previous
post (Fred). The other receiver I was trying to mention was Fred Biletnikoff of the Oakland raiders.

Ute Man | 10:09 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I haven't watched a whole lot of BYU as of late, but after watching him play, he's the real deal. If he stays healthy I bet he has a pretty good career. Seems to have a Kevin Curtis (Utah State, Philidephia Eagles) type game, and he's had a pretty good career.

A Win-Win | 10:14 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Utes and Cougars assemble! What a treat it will be to watch the 49ers next year and see Collie catching TD bombs from Shaun Hill, followed by Sugar Bowl MVP Brian Johnson holding the PAT, and capped off with Alex Smith's dazzling dash out to collect the tee after the ensuing kick-off. We all have reason to celebrate!

40 time | 11:13 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Collie's speed is fine... he just doesn't time well in the 40.... which is an overrated indicator... everyone knows Collie has game speed... his 40 time will only cause him to be taken later and make less money initially but he'll be a fine pro... If you compare him to Anthony Gonzalez (Colts), Kevin Curtis (Eagles), Kevin Walter (Texans), Wes Welker (Pat's), Matt Jones (Jag's) who are all significant contributers on their teams... Collie will be just as good and probably better

why I am a ute fan | 11:50 p.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Sometimes I get the question ï¿½what is a zoobie? I think photo 3/3 of this article is a prime exampleï¿½ Anyone who would pose like that for a photo (directed or otherwise) encompasses the true meaning of zoobieness. Thank you Austin Collie.

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