News Summary
Collins High School has appointed Randy Craft as the new head football coach, focusing on improving team performance and player leadership. Craft brings experience from Hattiesburg High and emphasizes skill development, discipline, and accountability among players. Key players like Chikezie McLaurin and TJ Barnes are expected to lead the team under Craft’s guidance. The team’s goals include finishing in the top two of regional standings and hosting a playoff game. The 2025 football season kicks off on August 29 against Sumrall High School, with renewed optimism for success.
Collins, Mississippi — New Leadership Promises Fresh Start for Tigers Football Team
Collins High School has announced the appointment of Randy Craft as the new head football coach, marking a significant change in the team’s leadership and direction for the upcoming season. The school’s athletic department made the formal introduction, signaling a renewed focus on improving team performance and fostering leadership among players.
Experience and Background of Coach Randy Craft
Craft joins Collins High School after serving as the defensive coordinator at Hattiesburg High School during the last football season. His coaching career includes time spent learning under renowned coach Tony Vance, who is recognized as the winningest coach in Hattiesburg High School history. Craft’s prior experience has provided him with a solid foundation in defensive strategy, leadership, and team discipline.
Craft believes that his previous coaching experiences will enable him to connect with players on a leadership level and foster a team environment focused on fundamentals and discipline. His approach emphasizes not only skill development but also instilling a strong work ethic and accountability among players.
Player Leadership and Key Players
Under the new coaching regime, player leadership is expected to play a central role. Senior player Chikezie McLaurin, a team leader, expressed confidence in Craft’s ability to elevate the team’s fundamentals and discipline. McLaurin highlighted Craft’s focus on improving the team’s technical skills and fostering a positive, disciplined environment.
Special attention is being directed toward TJ Barnes, a key player for the Tigers who finished the 2024 season with over 700 total yards and eight rushing touchdowns. Coach Craft is working directly with Barnes to enhance his skill set, particularly aiming to increase his explosiveness and overall impact on the field.
Barnes is recognized as a vocal leader among teammates and brings valuable experience from previous seasons. His leadership qualities and on-field performance are expected to be vital to the team’s success in the forthcoming season.
Goals and Expectations for the Upcoming Season
Coach Craft has set clear goals for the team, which include making consistent weekly improvements, finishing in the top two of the regional standings, and hosting a playoff game. Achieving these objectives could position Collins High School to contend for the region championship, a milestone that the team is actively working toward.
The team’s outlook has generated optimism within the program, with players and coaching staff aligned around a shared vision of success. The energy and readiness for change among the team members have been noted positively by the coaching staff.
2025 Football Season Kickoff
The 2025 football season at Collins High School is scheduled to commence on Friday, August 29, at 7 p.m. The Tigers will host Sumrall High School in their opening game, setting the stage for the competitive season ahead. The team is entering the year with new leadership, strategic plans, and a determination to improve its standing in the region.
While the season’s outcome remains to be seen, the appointment of Randy Craft as head coach signifies a determined effort by Collins High School to strengthen its football program and realize its competitive goals in the upcoming months.
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Additional Resources
- Gamecocks Online: Geoff Collins Joins Gamecock Football Coaching Staff
- Wikipedia: South Carolina Gamecocks Football
- AJC: Former Georgia Tech Football Coach Joins Staff at South Carolina
- Google Search: Geoff Collins
- Football Scoop: Geoff Collins at South Carolina
- Google Scholar: South Carolina Football
- On3: Shane Beamer Explains Decision to Add Geoff Collins
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Geoff Collins
- 247Sports: South Carolina Gamecocks Football – Geoff Collins
- Google News: South Carolina Football

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