Triton Central quarterback commits to Hanover College

Sam Collier never saw himself as a college quarterback. 

“I wanted to be a wide receiver. That’s all I wanted to do,” said Collier.

In fourth grade, Collier was moved under center. He found the position more interesting than just running routes.

“I loved having control of the offense, having the ball in my hands on every play and creating for others,” he said.

On May 8, Collier made his commitment official to Hanover College where he will continue his football career.

Now just days from graduation, Collier has proven hard work pays off. He got just one season as the starting quarterback at Triton Central.

“It’s a great story on patience and perseverance,” said Triton Central football coach Tim Able. “He took advantage of all his opportunities.”

Collier’s experience was honed over three junior varsity seasons while serving as the backup quarterback to Jace Stuckey, who rewrote the TC record book and is now vying for the starting quarterback role at Eastern Michigan University.

“Jace really helped mentor him. They are still really close,” said Able.

Collier led the Tigers to a 9-3 record, completing 63% of his pass attempts for 1,427 yards and 18 touchdowns. He had just one interception.

On Sept. 6, Collier passed for over 300 yards and two touchdowns in a 16-13 win over Indianapolis Lutheran to end the state’s longest active win streak at 45 games.

Collier will major in Biochemistry at Hanover with the goal of going to either a physician’s assistant or physical therapy program after graduation.

“I really liked the coaching staff and how they care for each individual player,” said Collier of Hanover. “They want to see improvement on the field and in the classroom too.”

Collier realizes his Triton Central career is almost complete. He had a starting role on the basketball team that won the Shelby County Tournament and Christel House Sectional title this past season. He is spending the spring athletic season working on his golf game.

“He is a very good defensive player (in basketball),” said Able. “That’s all effort and attitude. That carries over to football.”

Collier’s track record bodes well for Hanover. He knows he has another uphill battle to earn playing time.

“It feels like it’s been forever since being a freshman,” said Collier. “I’ve seen how much I’ve changed since being a freshman. I will start at the bottom and work my way up.”

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