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BYU football: Collie's next route: the NFL

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Before the Y haters get here... | 1:12 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Let me wish Collie the best of luck, the Y is going to miss him next year, but after setting all of those records and leading the country in receiving his stock is probably as high as it will get. I think he's smart to get out now, get paid, and see if he has what it takes.

TrueBlue | 1:12 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Too bad we'll never know what a Collie/Pitta/Jacobson trio could have accomplished with next season's prime schedule. Good luck at the next level...

BYU is done | 1:40 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

If Collie is not on on the 2009 team Max Hall's leading receiver just might be the entire Ute secondary!

Comments continue below

He Deserves It | 1:48 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Take Luck!

HB Ute | 2:18 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

As a Utah fan, I am glad to see this big time playmaker leave. I thank Max Hall's shaky performances at the end of the year for causing Collie to leave while the getting is good... When your QB is talking to a sports psychologist in the off-season, it may be a good time to enter the draft.

Good to Luck Collie... But | 2:20 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

It looks like BYUs Quest for Perfection season has become a nightmare.

Losing your best player doesn't look good for next year.

But I can admit Collie was a great player, props to him and good luck.

Go AP #2 Utes!!

Provo | 3:21 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Collie will probably have a Jerry Rice or Cris Carter type of career in the NFL since the Y seems to always produce great WRs for the NFL

I'll miss him at the firesides | 3:22 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

He will surely be missed at the Firesides. He was really good at those.

Too bad | 4:08 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I was really hoping for another record breaking year from Collie. Hopefully Jacobsen can pick up where Collie left off.

Mick | 4:51 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Does Collie believe he or BYU will not do any better in their next season? Was this year as good as it gets for him or the Cougars with him on the team? Must be now is the most advantageous time to leave the ship. I wish you well.

Jase O | 5:07 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I don't blame him for going to the NFL. He's a great player with a great unique skill set. I'm just a die hard BYU fan and want him to stay for my own personal agenda. They would have a great chance next year to make some noise if he stays. Playing Oklahoma and Florida State and the chance of beating these teams would propel them. Without Collie it's just going to be nothing less than another lost quest for perfection

Damn, there goes next season | 5:56 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I was hoping he would stay with those games against OU and Florida State. Too bad.

BYU texan | 6:20 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Too bad for the Y, but I don't blame Collie for leaving...needs to take the money and run so he can financially take care of his future.

Regardless how good of a year he has next year, his draft status would not improve--unless there happens to be a weak class of receivers. He'll probably go 3rd or 4th round because he's a great received but doesn't run as fast as the typical NFL receiver.

Best of luck!!

Bad Choice | 6:27 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

With Utah and TCU in the top 10 and BYU in the top 25 the MTN West Conference would be solid next year and anyone of these teams have a shot at the National title however without Collie this is a real set back for the Cougs Collie is a college player he will never make it in the NFL with his lack of speed

Judge a Man By His Enemies... | 6:25 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

...and the swarms of inevitable Ute comments will show just how good Collie was for BYU. I'd have loved to see him line up with Jacobson next year, but I can't begrudge him for putting his best interests first over fans' hopes to see him for the Cougars.

At least now Hall will have to learn the names of his other wideouts.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO | 6:47 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Tex | 6:47 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

"Provo" aka "one-trick pony." As this is about the 20th time I have spotted your same sarcastic comment about Y receivers in the NFL, here is a request: Please come up with a new comment that you can post over and over on BYU-related articles. Thank you in advance!

Re: judge a man by his enemies | 6:55 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

We respect Collie, it is hard but we respect a man that will make comments about being blessed for living right and then have no comment when things go bad. Jacobson will not be the answer, Max not throwing picks and showing up in games that matter will.

Hoosier Coug | 6:59 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I wish him all the luck in the world.

To all of the vitriolic supposed Ute fans, isn't it sad that your team has just achieved something amazing, and all you seem to care about is disparaging the Cougars in any way possible. Many of us have wondered over the years whether you care more about your team or more about your hate for BYU. Seriously, how sad!

To all of the vitriolic, supposed BYU fans, stop giving the lame excuse that "they started it" and realize that the only way respect will come to both schools is for a strong BYU and Utah tradition. I'm sorry, but the success of the schools will be linked to each other.

To all of the true Ute and fans, let's all hope that he does well in the NFL. The more exposure the MWC gets the better for all of us.

Equanimity | 7:01 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Great player, question if he will make it in the NFL because of the speed issue (but he probably will do great), in the long run probably good for Hall because he won't watch just one receiver every play!

Good Riddance.... | 7:04 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Good Riddance to his arrogance!

Good Riddance to his post game open mount insert foot moments!

Good Riddance to his ego!

Collie & Ego = NFL....Great Fit!

Bob in line | 7:04 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I predict that Collie goes to the NFL combine in Indianapolis, runs the 40 for the coaches and wishes to no end he would have stayed at BYU. How many receivers are their in the NFL that run 4.6 40's? I don't know of any.

This is similar to Andy Boyce of BYU back in the early 90's. He was an incredibly tough receiver, dropped far fewer balls than Collie and was a go to guy. Went to the NFL combine and ran incredible routes, a 4.5 40 to go with it. And wasn't even drafted. Boyce would have had better numbers than Collie but his quarterback knew how to spread the ball. His name was Ty Detmer. Collie's numbers are inflated in part because Max Hall throws disproportionatly to Collie.

I hope the best for Collie but expect the worst. In the NFL speed is everything. Year after year great skills take a back seat to 4.4 speeds. Collie will be no different.

The good thing is this may help BYU. Hall is going to need to find more receivers and may actually make all of his reads now, not just Collie all the time.

GO BYU!

Congrats Utah!

TribFan | 7:07 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Jay Drew nailed it. Where's the inside info from Dick Harmon, Jeff Call or Jim Rayburn?

Good Luck | 7:24 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Good luck to Collie in the NFL. He's a great player. He made some bone headed comments throughout his career at BYU but he seemed to get better with the media this past season and kept his mouth shut for the most part.

I think this is a wise choice for him; strike while the iron is hot. I think the recent shaky QB play of Max also had some bearing on his decision to leave now.

Best of luck in the NFL.

-Ute Fan

Anonymous | 7:28 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Good luck, Austin. I think you'll have a great NFL career. We'll miss you at the Y

Fireside circuit | 7:42 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Austin must be receiving counsel from Trent Plaisted. Of course he'll do well in the NFL with all of those other white wide receivers. Remember there is no arena league next year and you need a passport to go to Canada.

ted | 7:43 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

saying "too bad this and too bad that" is the reason byu and its fans can't get to the top. it's like telling your team "too bad we have to play that team the first day of the tourniment" negitive mind set right off the bat! kinda like success breads success! negitive breads negitive!

go kick some --- without collie!

I'm honestly crying right now | 7:50 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

this is heartbreaking

Sad but true | 7:51 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Would have been nice to see Collie back next year--but ah, well. Only thing left to do is wish the guy luck! BYU will need another WR to step up in his place as a playmaker--here's guessing they'll find somebody.

Gotta just say, though--were I on the team, I'd sure feel more confident going up against the Sooners with Collie than without him... :)

Not good for the Y | 7:52 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

BYU was touting it's returning starters before. But now, with them losing most of their line, with the other teams catching on to how to beat them, and with their top WR and playmaker gone, I see the Y having a very tough year.

what about me | 7:55 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I hope the back up receivers at BYU are not reading these. With out Collie BYU is done, what am I chopped liver. I'll show you! That should be on a T shirt for the Y receivers.

Pocatello Cougar | 7:58 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I have a problem with LDS athletes leaving early for the pros - unless - they have already gotten their degree.

If he's finished school, then God Bless and good luck.

I'll never forget how excited BYU fans were to have Shawn Bradley return from his mission - no one thought he wouldn't play at least a second year in Provo. Yet while still on his mission in Australia, knocking on doors and wearing his nametag, he announced that he was leaving early.

Not cool. Not something we expect from a member of the church.

Though I knew Trent Plaisted wouldn't survive in the NBA because of skills issues, he completed his degree and finished his commitment to the school.

Collie will be a good receiver at the NFL level, but he's not going to be a stud.

Hope I'm wrong, though.

Cougar Super | 7:57 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

This is a ridiculous choice by Collie and while I wish him my best this was a "no confidence" vote on Max Hall, it does tick me off that Collie won't give Max one more year. With next year's schedule and a few adjustments on D, I think we could have embarked on another quest.

Again, my best Collie but I think you are making a foolish choice:(

Smart | 7:59 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I'm glad to see Collie jump to the NFL because the dude is a stud, he will make a good if not great pro. Good decision

redemption | 8:01 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Good move.....after watching BYU play the way they did in the Vegas bowl and with Utah...I wouldn't want to come back and be a part of that either...Good Luck Austin.

Happy | 8:05 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I think Collie should stay!

Knowwhat | 8:08 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Provo...Who are the great NFL recievers that BYU has produced? None...

Brett | 8:13 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

"Bad Choice" @ 6:27 am...as much as I think Collie is an arrogant kid...your comments that he will never make it in the NFL are so biased as a "bitter BYU Fan or a Ute Fan, but reading most the comments it seems as though the Ute Fans and the BYU fans want him to succeed...so I guess you're just a typical Fan who is bitter that someone is leaving College early to better himself...hmmmm someone named Luke got hurt and never ever became anything or anyone on the football field...go figure!

BYU | 8:17 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

is headed for a tough next year. Collie needs to go now. Hall is in trouble and it shows. I don't think there are enough missionaries in the field that are good receivers for CM to recruit. Jacobson will be good. He just needs the chance.

No problem. | 8:18 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

If there is one area that is not problem for the Cougs, it's at receiver. Very soon the Utes will hate another awesome receiver as much as Collie. Austin, thanks for the Ute memories. They are awesome!

iflyhelo | 8:25 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

BYU has traditionally, (I mean for fifty years) been able to take your average, not-NFL-quality athletes and make great college receivers out of them. There is no reason to believe that will not continue. We hate to lose Collie because he is such a pleasure to watch, but we'll be ok with Pitta, Wilkinson and others just as good. Furthermore Utah fans, you will feel the pain watching Hall pick you apart next fall.

Money | 8:30 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

It's actually a very smart personal move for Collie and his family. If he get drafted, he is guaranteed money. If he plays another year there is always the possibility of getting injured, ruining his football career leaving him to have to work for a living like the rest of us.

Confused | 8:32 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I thought we weren't supposed to work on Sunday.

Anonymous | 8:35 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I agree NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Not Really Leaving Early | 8:36 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Remember that when a BYU RM finishes his Junior season like Collie, he has been out of hs for 2-3 years more than the typical Junior contemplating leaving early. Whether or not he can make the NFL would not be impacted by one more season. If anything he risks injury and likely a 3-4 loss season with our schedule. He really is entering the draft in a very nice position - how many times can a player say they lead the entire nation at their position? His draft status will depend on the combines and personal workouts. I think he will actually perform well at those and be a 4th round pick.

This means Max Hall needs to learn to scan the entire field next season. This is a chance for him to really raise his game and gell with the young receivers like Jacobson and Chambers. He still has two of the best TEs in Pitta and George. Unga is good and Tonga great as receivers out of the backfield. If our new o-line gells quickly we will still be a top ten offensive team - but also lose 3-4 games with our schedule.

Rick | 8:37 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I certainly don't begrudge Collie for doing what he feels is best for him.

That said, he was only a good receiver on a very mediocre team. If he stayed, BYU wouldn't magically be that much better of team. If he goes, they are still a mediocre team.

My guess, because of his below average size and average speed is that he won't go until somewhere in the 4th or 5th rounds of the draft, and he will find himself somewhere down the depth chart, he will last a few years, bouncing around to a few teams, and then be out of the league.

Which isn't to say he is a bad football player at all, he just isn't one of the top elite players.

Collie's Choice | 8:39 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Austin Collie is doing what we all wish we could have done with his talent. He's trying to take it to the next level and make the money we only dreamed of. One broken leg, torn ACL, or strained injury of any type and his stock is gone. Not too much more to prove when you lead the NCAA in some receiving categories, and have set most receiving records at BYU.

As for "Provo", and the comparison with Rice and Carter, fine, name the whole group of Utah receivers that are excelling in the NFL. Exactly. Collie and his skills remind me of another "slow" receiver named Steve Largent who supposedly lacked speed but sure made a name for himself as a clutch receiver.

We will miss Collie, but we still have Pitta, George, Jacobson, Chambers, Hafoka, and on and on. It's not like Max Hall doesn't have any quality receivers. Go Cougars.

Good BYU Draft | 8:40 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

I think we will see Collie, Fui, Reynolds and our other all-conference o-lineman all go in the draft this season.

Cougar 4 | 8:37 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Memo to Ute fans: You actually have your own team. But really, thanks for investing so much time with us. When your rivals foam at the mouth about you, you really know who the #1 team in the state is. Go Cougars!

Good luck Collie. Thanks for the great seasons at the Y! You were awesome!

word at the water cooler is.... | 8:41 a.m. Jan. 9, 2009

Not this coming draft year, but the next, which would have been after Collie's senior year, word has it that the NFL will be putting a cap on rookie salaries. This cap will way under what they can get presently. This had to be foremost on Collie's mind in this decision. Even if he stayed one more year and worked up into the first, he will probably get a contract worth much more even going in the third or fourth round.

I wish he would stay around another year, for selfish reasons of course, but i just hope this is not like a luke stayley situaiton, were the scouts promised great things and nothing ever panned out for him.

Oh and by the way, I did not think i heard, i KNOW i heard a huge sigh of relief coming from off the hill in salt lake city. with all the criticism the ute fans threw at Collie and all the crap they gave him, if they had the opportunity, they would have took him on their team in a heart beat!!!! over any and all of their receivers (past and present).

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