By Joe Davidson
jdavidson@sacbee.com
Following in a can't-miss family tradition, Dylan Collie will one day become a BYU Cougar. And catch passes and storm into the end zone.
Today, he gave BYU a verbal commitment to play for the program long known for passing and driving defenses crazy.
For now, Collie is a multi-position player for Oak Ridge High School, preparing for his senior season. He is especially dangerous as a receiver and return specialist for one of the top programs in Northern California, much like older brother Austin.
Austin was The Bee's Player of the Decade for the 2000s after powering the Trojans to Sac-Joaquin Section championship success and impacting games at receiver, on returns and on defense. He then set receiving records with BYU during an All-American career and now rates as one of the most effective receivers in the NFL, a favorite of Peyton Manning with the Indianapolis Colts.
Dylan and his brother are close and keep in regular contact, and if there's a common trait between the two, it's work ethic, skills, attention to detail and pride. They got a lot of that from each other and from their father, Scott, who played receiver for BYU a generation ago.
Now it's Dylan's time to shine.
"Man, you have no idea (how good this feels)," Dylan said today of his BYU decision. "It's definitely the place for me. Can't wait to make a difference and keep the Collie name prevalent in Provo and throughout the nation."
Oak Ridge expects to have one of the area's top teams next season despite the loss of quarterback Will Tostenson and receiver Willie Tucker, both headed to scholarship stops. Tostenson is off to Sac State and Tucker to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
In the final game of his junior season last fall, Dylan Collie had seven catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns and he returned five kickoffs for 110 yards.
"He's an exceptional route runner and pass catcher; physical player," Oak Ridge coach Eric Cavaliere said. "His biggest asset is his determination and competitiveness."
Follow Joe Davidson on Twitter: sb_joedavidson
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