Marque Collins Took ‘Leap Of Faith’ To Join BYU Football Program

Aug 2, 2024, 10:56 AM

Follow @kslsports...

PROVO, Utah Weber State graduate transfer Marque Collins (pronounced Mark) chose to play at BYU for his seventh and final year in college football.

Now that he’s in Provo, the 5-foot-11, 175-pound cornerback wants to make an immediate impact at cornerback.

Collins, a Sacramento, California native, is coming off an ACL injury he suffered last year at Weber State.

Marque Collins enters his seventh season in college football

The tough injury limited him to only two games last year. After that setback and the NCAA granting him a medical redshirt, he wanted a change of scenery for his final season.

“I took a lot of chances; ACL tear last year, I wasn’t sure what was going to happen,” said Collins to KSL Sports. “So I just took that leap of faith, jumped in the portal and ended up here. For me, this is the best decision I could have made.”

Competition at cornerback

Collins didn’t participate in spring practices after enrolling at BYU this past January. However, he’s “fully healed” and competing in fall camp practices for the second cornerback spot alongside star Jakob Robinson.

During week one of camp, Collins is battling with Mory Bamba, Evan Johnson, Therrian Alexander, and Marcus McKenzie to earn the starting cornerback role.

“All of us have the same expectation to come in and compete. My expectation personally is to come in and start. I love my teammates, but I’m competing with them every day.”

BYU football gives Collins a chance to reunite with Jay Hill

Collins’ arrival at BYU reunites him with his former head coach at Weber State, Jay Hill.

Hill enters his second season as BYU’s defensive coordinator. Collins knows what to expect from this scheme.

When Collins entered the transfer portal, he wanted the chance to play for Hill.

“In the back of my head, I was like, I would love to go play for Coach Hill again. But it was a leap of faith. It ended up working out and I ended up at the perfect school.”

Collins feels comfortable in Jay Hill’s defense.

“I missed it a lot. That was my whole career; I was in that defense,” Collins said of playing in Hill’s defensive scheme again. “I know what I could do, so it’s just about proving to my teammates and coaches what I can do. So I’m excited about that.”

BYU’s secondary has big shoes to fill at cornerback as it looks to replace Eddie Heckard and Kamden Garrett. Both were Honorable Mention All-Big 12 performers last season. They were Collins teammates at Weber State.

Collins has talked to both former BYU players about what to expect in Provo.

“Similar to Weber State in the ways we work,” Collins said. “A lot of the things are the same. There’s not a lot different from Big Sky to Big 12. Obviously, size-wise, more resources and whatnot. But in terms of the differences, it’s not too much different. So I’m excited to show what I can do, not just on the FCS level, but more so on the biggest stage.”

BYU football kicks off the 2024 season later this month against the Southern Illinois Salukis on August 31.

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and hosts the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow Mitch’s coverage of BYU in the Big 12 Conference on X: @Mitch_Harper.

Take us with you wherever you go.

Download the new & improved KSL Sports app from Utah’s sports leader. You can stream live radio and video and stay up to date on all of your favorite teams.

KSL 5 TV Live

KSLSports Feed

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Kyle Van Noy Links Up With BYU Football Stars Following Pro Bowl Festivities

Former BYU LB Kyle Van Noy just wrapped up his first-ever Pro Bowl weekend and met up with two former Cougar stars at a Super Bowl event.

3 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

How To Watch Utah State Vs. Fresno State Basketball

The Aggies went from avoiding consecutive losses to now seeking to build another winning streak with a chance to stack their second successive win when they tangle with the Fresno State Bulldogs on Friday, February 7.

4 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Jalen Hood-Schifino Waived By Utah Jazz

Jalen Hood-Schifino has been waived by the Utah Jazz after the guard was acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers.

5 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

How To Watch, Stream Super Bowl LIX, Chiefs-Eagles

SALT LAKE CITY – Football immortality will be on the line for the Philadelphia Eagles and two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. Patrick Mahomes looks to lead his Chiefs to a never-seen-before Super Bowl three-peat, while 2,000-yard rusher Saquon Barkley hopes to carry Philadelphia to its second title in the past eight […]

5 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

Jazz Face Suns To Open Three-Game Road Trip

The Utah Jazz will travel to Phoenix to face the Suns on the front end of a three-game road trip following the NBA trade deadline.

5 hours ago

Follow @kslsports...

KSL Sports

BYU Football Among Blue Bloods In Final Cut For Top Hawaii Recruit

BYU is in the mix for one of the nation's top offensive tackle prospects in 2026.

7 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Marque Collins Took ‘Leap Of Faith’ To Join BYU Football Program