He saw his players work hard and compete with players from across the country and saw them interact with Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban. And on the field and on the long bus rides to and from, he watched his players bond, something that he believes will pay dividends now that game time is here.
“We can build upon that going into the season,” says Collins.
Beyond the surface-level observations, Hough’s coach could also see his players’ minds at work as they absorbed the experience and big-time football atmosphere. They were inspired to aspire, and Collins hopes the collective Husky mindset will have a lasting effect for the program that enters its second season and the first with seniors on the roster.
“You dream big, you play big,” says Collins.
Hough opens the season Friday at home against Independence (kickoff set for 7 p.m.) and hopes are high in Huskies camp. Having gone 2-8 last fall, the Huskies believe more experience and seasoning will lead to improvement this year.
“We’re trying to put Hough on the map,” says senior Nate Mays, an all-conference safety last season.
Hough returns almost its entire roster intact, though junior linebacker Ryan Lemke, one of the top tacklers around, is lost for the season due to a torn ACL. Sophomore lineman Christian Walker had shoulder surgery, but should return in about a month. And all-league linebacker Brian Jones may also not be available.
But generally, the Huskies feature the same personnel as last season, a real luxury for a team that navigated a challenging schedule without any seniors and with only a handful of players with varsity experience.
“The guys have been in the system for a year, and we’re building upon that system,” says Collins.
Receiver Brandon Mobley and punter Nathan Deering join Mays as returning all-conference selections. All are seniors, and Mobley will be involved in the offense as much as possible (see story, Page 6).
Josh Stilley enters his sophomore season as the established starting quarterback, after splitting time a year ago. Despite a few years away from organized football, he impressed his coaches and teammates with his calm demeanor. He is excited about the opportunity this season, but don’t expect him to show it.
“My emotions don’t really get into the game that much,” he says. “Even when I do something right, I don’t get too excited.”
Hough hopes to open up the passing game, where Stilley will have Mobley and juniors Sanders Poff and Nick Burrow as targets. Senior Jackson Campbell returns in the backfield, and sophomore center Jake McCreary spearheads the offensive line after playing every snap on varsity a year ago.
“You always want a special guy protecting your quarterback,” says Collins. “I sleep a lot better knowing he’s in front of Josh.”
Mays and fellow seniors Ben Craig and Jared Sobo lead the defense from the secondary. Mays and Craig combined for 133 tackles and four interceptions last year.
“We’re looking for a big year out of those guys,” says Collins.
Senior Connor Millikin returns at linebacker, where he registered three sacks. Millikin missed the last few games a year ago because of a leg injury, which also caused him to miss basketball season.
“It was more of a mental block to get over it,” says Millikin.
Up front in the 4-3 alignment, junior end Blake Dueitt returns after posting three sacks last year.
