With the 118th pick in the 2017 NFL draft. the Philadelphia Eagles select Mack Hollins, fifth year senior wide receiver from North Carolina who also is an alumni. He graduated in 2011. He took a year at Fork Union Military Academy where he focused on getting bigger and faster.
Hollins attended Eagles rookie camp on May 11 where he was evaluated by the entire coaching staff and worked out as both a receiver and a special teams player. He hopes to make the active roster list so he can play this fall. He has not decided what jersey number he will wear but wants to stand out in the 2017-2018 season.
Although he had the size and talent to play division one football, he didn’t have coaches knocking on his door. He walked on at The University of North Carolina where he earned a scholarship his sophomore season and went on to have a great year. He ended his college career with 20 touchdowns; 15 of the 20 came from 20 yards or longer, setting a North Carolina football record.
Over the past few weeks, Hollins has been working out with some of the football players here. He has helped teach, junior Elijah Trent, sophomore Alec Yassin, and sophomore Noel Miller. They wake up at 6 am every morning to learn how to run routes and get coached by him.
The offensive coordinator of the football team knows Hollins on a different level. “I played with Mack my junior year, and ever since we played our first game together, I knew he was special.” Coach Chris Papadopoulos said. The duo created a huge year for both of them as they went on to have great seasons.
One of the team’s most highly recruited players appreciated what he was learning. “I’m going to use the techniques and the footwork he taught me and incorporate it into my game, he taught me so much that I wouldn’t have known. I also think that it’s cool to learn from an NFL player.” Trent said.
One of receivers on the team learned a lot. “I don’t think I’ve ever learned as much technique as I have when Mack helped me. I think what he taught me will help me play better this season. I’m lucky to have him coach me up,” Miller said. “I’m going to do the drills he taught me and incorporate them in my everyday drills,” he said.
The team’s defensive ball hawk learned more by learning what the other side of the ball is taught.“He taught me more than just how to run routes, he helped me improve my footwork and catching the ball,” Yassin said.
Grant Saylor
Staff Writer
