Randy Craft Appointed Head Football Coach at Collins High School

News Summary

Randy Craft has been named the new head football coach at Collins High School with a vision to enhance the team’s performance for the upcoming season. Senior player Chikezie McLaurin expressed confidence in Craft’s abilities to instill discipline and fundamentals. Craft comes from Hattiesburg High School, where he served as the defensive coordinator. His plan includes fostering player leadership, focusing on standout player TJ Barnes, as the team aims for a successful season and regional competition.

Collins, Mississippi – Randy Craft has officially been appointed as the new head football coach of Collins High School. This move comes as the school aims to revitalize its football program and improve overall team performance in the upcoming 2025 season.

Senior player Chikezie McLaurin has communicated his strong confidence in Craft’s coaching abilities, especially highlighting his potential to enhance the team’s fundamentals and discipline. Players are encouraged by Craft’s leadership, especially as he begins to implement his vision for the Tigers.

Prior to taking the helm at Collins High School, Randy Craft served as the defensive coordinator at Hattiesburg High School during the last season. This experience provided him with a solid foundation in coaching techniques and strategies that he plans to bring to his new role. Craft honed his skills under the mentorship of Tony Vance, the winningest coach in Hattiesburg High history, which has equipped him with invaluable insights into successful coaching practices.

Craft believes that his past experiences will enable him to coach at a higher leadership level, fostering both player development and team unity. A significant aspect of his strategy involves building strong player leadership. Notably, TJ Barnes has been identified as a key leader for the Tigers. Barnes had an impressive performance during the 2024 season, amassing over 700 total yards and scoring eight rushing touchdowns.

As part of his coaching strategy, Craft plans to work closely with Barnes to enhance his skill set, with a specific focus on increasing his explosiveness on the field. Barnes is recognized for his vocal presence among his teammates and had substantial playing time in the previous season, making him a suitable candidate for leadership within the team.

The entire team is expected to align under the new expectations set forth by Craft. He has expressed appreciation for their energy and enthusiasm, stating that the players appear ready for the changes that lie ahead. The primary objectives for the Collins High School football team this season are to improve week by week, finish in the top two of their region, and secure a playoff home game.

If the Tigers achieve their performance goals, they will also aim to contend for the region championship. This ambitious outlook signifies a renewed commitment to excellence and competitive spirit in Collins football.

The 2025 football season for Collins High School is set to begin on Friday, August 29, at 7 p.m., with their season opener against Sumrall High School. The upcoming match is highly anticipated, as the new coaching staff and players aim to set the tone for what they hope will be a successful season ahead.

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• 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