Junior looking forward to three visits

With high hopes for the off-season, quarterback Milan Collins, from Forestville (Md.) Bishop McNamara, is focused on preparation and making the right decision. Receiving interest from schools across the country, Collins has his eyes set on at least three upcoming visits.

"I'm trying to work on becoming a better leader," he said. "I really want to end my high school career with a state championship. We made a few costly mistakes this year, but next year we'll have a lot of seniors and juniors. Hopefully the added experience will help us eliminate some of those mistakes."

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound quarterback has an offer from Syracuse and is receiving lots of attention from across the country.

"I've been hearing a lot from Oregon, Alabama, Georgia Tech, Tennessee, Stanford, Notre Dame, Temple, Virginia, Wisconsin, Michigan State and Penn State," said Collins. "I don't want to say any school looks better than another. Each school has something unique and I want to take everything in during the process."

Collins shed some light on what he's looking for in a school and how he is going to make his decision.

"I'd like a school that has my major, great national connections and gives me a chance to play early," said Collins. "I want to be a premed major and eventually become an orthopedic surgeon. My parents are big on education and want me to have connections, but they're letting me make the decision.

While it will be up to Collins to make his final, he is getting plenty of advice along the way.

"My coach and my father are helping me with the recruiting process," said Collins. "They tell me to look at the big picture and look at how the school combines education and football, not to pay attention to the eye candy. I have to be happy and comfortable there for at least 3 years, so the campus feel is very important."

Coaches have talked to Collins about playing a number of positions, and he is open to the suggestions.

"I'm flexible," said Collins. "Quarterback, safety, wide receiver, outside linebacker or cornerback. Whatever it takes for us to get wins."

Collins has not taken any visits yet, but wants to visit a few schools in particular.

"I want to visit Virginia, Rutgers and definitely Syracuse," said Collins. "Syracuse especially because they were the first school to offer me."

Collins is planning on attending the U.S. Army National Combine in San Antonio, Texas in early January.