Javelina Hall of Fame
Larry Collins became the state’s top rusher while playing football for the Javelinas, and he held the top spot for more than a decade. He was inducted into the Javelina Hall of Fame in 1994.
Collins played in 1974-77 and during that period the Javelinas compiled a 46-1-1 record, won three NAIA national championships and took four Lone Star Conference titles.
The Javelinas also had a 42-game victory streak in 1973-77 and Collins played in all but one of those games. The streak was the second longest in college football history.
He rushed for 4,511 yards, and that stood as the best career figure of any Texas collegian until 1988 when Javelina back Heath Sherman rushed for 4,654.
Collins still ranks as the 37th all-time collegiate rusher, the third all-time best in the LSC (behind Javelinas Johnny Bailey and Sherman) and Texas’ fifth all-time top college rusher.
Collins is one of the Javelinas’ most honored players. He was Associated Press Little All-America, NAIA All-America and Mizlou All-America. He was All-Lone Star Conference first team for three consecutive seasons and was the LSC freshman of the year in 1974.
He was named the LSC Back of the Year in 1977 and was selected to play in the Senior Bowl game.
Collins was the most valuable back in the 1975 and 1976 NAIA national championship games. He received the Sports Illustrated Award of Merit in 1974.
He was a member of the Javelina track and field team and competed as a sprinter in the 100-yard and 220-yard dashes and as a member of the 440-yard relay team. He won two LSC golf medals, running legs on the conference champion 440-yard relay units in 1976 and 1977.
After his college career, Collins was drafted by the Cleveland Browns and he also played with the New Orleans Saints.
Collins, who played high school football at San Antonio Edison, resides in San Antonio and is employed by an automobile dealership.
