Miami Palmetto’ freshman CB Cornelius Collier, Jr. on fast track to stardom

By Jerry Williamson

Freshman CB/ATH Cornelius Collier, Jr. of Miami Palmetto HS is the next highly sought after defensive back prospect in Miami Metro area. The son of former FSU linebacker Cornelius Collier, Sr. (a 1999 signee, who was rated the top weakside linebacker in the state by the Florida Times-Union) who stands 6-foot-1, 165-pounds -- has excelled on an island at the highest classification in Florida, while learning on-the-go.

Cornelius Collier continues to shine versus older talent. As an eighth-grader, he out-right earned Florida Fire 7v7 Showcase top defensive back (per Rising Stars) which consisted of notable 8th-through-10th graders throughout South Florida.

In addition, Collier, Jr. was selected to participate in Miami Dolphins' Miami-Dade vs. Broward Youth Football 8th Grade All-Star game, where he delivered the hardest hit of the game.

Far right pictured: Richmond-Perrine Giants, Cornelius Collier, Jr. (Miami-Dade All-Stars starting Rover)

Furthermore, the future phenom also helped Miami-Dade County Richmond-Perrine Giants (Jr. Varsity team), captured the Pop Warner Div. 1 Nat' Championship. This fall, Cornelius has pulled in two interceptions, and has helped the Panthers remain unbeaten at (2-0) on the season and including a kickoff victory as well. The 14-year-old has been tested over 10 times against Krop, Hialeah Miami-Lakes, and Naples HS, and has allowed one reception in man-to-man coverage this season. "Great kid. Hard working, wants to learn and be great. Super special athlete who comes from a great family.", said Miami Palmetto varsity head coach Mike Manasco. 'He's a kid that can be big-time. He eventually will be a rover when Cornelius Nunn, Jr. graduate. He's a student-athlete and will play both ways before his time is over at Miami Palmetto", said secondary coach Ray Baker.

Collier, Jr. long frame and aggressive style reminds me a lot of former Florida Fire and high school All-American, FSU freshman cornerback Stanford Samuels III. He's the next highly sought after cornerback with amazing bloodlines. His family tree played at the big three UF - Charles Rackley, FSU - Cornelius Collier, Sr., and UM - Trent Jones.

The Next Freshman Article In-line: Miami Central's RB Amari Daniels