Player Profile: Thearon "Pimp" Collier

This feature was written for Canespace by the one and only SolarCane.  His title for the article is "Pimp My Stride".  Here is Solar, on his favorite player, unfiltered...

When Thearon Collier was growing up in Overtown his two favorite teams to watch on TV were the Miami Hurricanes and the Philadelphia Eagles.  Collier had no idea at the time both teams would have a big impact on his young life.

Thearon grew up without a father and was responsible for being the role model for his younger sister and two little brothers.  He lost a lot of his neighborhood friends because he turned his back on selling dope and smoking weed.  Instead he spent countless hours with his mom and siblings.

 

Collier loves his mother, she is his hero.  In the back of his mind his only goal is to someday make life easier for her and give her the home she deserves.

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Young Collier would try and emulate his favorite Hurricane Devin Hester while playing in the Optimist League.  He was an instant sensation making acrobatic catches and long touchdown runs.  As Thearon’s confidence grew so did his athleticism.

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He became a star at Booker T. Washington High School, where he played receiver and returned kicks.  It was apparent colleges would soon come knocking on his Mom’s front door.  During his Junior and Senior high school years Auburn, Florida, Miami and a half dozen other schools were constantly in contact with Thearon.

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Against Hallandale High Collier had four catches for an amazing 132 yards netting 33 yards per catch. Everyone realized “Pimp” as he was now known was going to be a superstar.  Collier’s high school team was one of the best in the country.

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Booker T. Washington later traveled up to South Carolina to face Summerville on national television. Playing on ESPN would give the average 5 foot 9 inch 165 pound 17 year old a stomach full of butterflies and a head full of what-ifs.  Pimp couldn't wait to shine, the bigger the game the more he wanted the ball.

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Booker T. pummeled Summerville by a score of 36-3.  Pimp pulled down four catches for an impressive 59 yards.   The phone never stopped ringing.

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Collier would end up doing what he said he would do; he committed to The U.

Pimp was surrounded by a class of the biggest names in Florida high school football recruiting history.  Was Collier intimidated?  Are you kidding!

Practice after practice he made the big catch or broke a big run.  He became one of Coach Aubry Hill’s clutch go to guys, a role Pimp relished.

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With so many receivers in the freshmen class Thearon lined up in the slot and constantly came through battling linebackers and corner backs to get open and move the sticks.  His teammates love him, they respect how hard he works, and they recognize the joy he has for being a Miami Hurricane.

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Travis Benjamin recently stated in Whipple’s new offense there are some sick formations with Pimp, Benjamin, Aldarius Johnson and LaRon Byrd all on the field at the same time running crazy routes.  Collier is chomping at the bit to run a few routes he has watched the Eagles score with.

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Thearon Collier is one of the new breed Canes with the old school attitude. He doesn’t care who gets the ball as long as they are racking up points all game long.

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With a nickname like Pimp Collier you would expect to see Thearon strutting around with a beautiful lady on each arm after practice.  What you see Collier doing at the end of his day makes you realize this is a humble young man with his head screwed on right.

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After Hurricane practice he gets his two little brothers together and coaches them on how to run their routes and look the football into their hands. Both of them are receivers on their teams, and Pimp wants to make sure they understand what it means to be a wide out named Collier.

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So you may wonder, after studying in class all day, practicing with the Canes, and then going home to practice with the mini-Colliers, what does Thearon Collier do to relax?

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He turns on his favorite TV channel, Animal Planet and goes over his playbook until he drifts off to sleep dreaming about reaching out to snare another impossible catch at the last possible second…

Comments

[solarcane]

pimp

[splarfy]

yippeeee

[Old Skool]

A new article a day. Keep bringing it.

[SOUP]

Skool...the sun NEVER sets on Canespace!

I still have two features in the bank:

One from OcalaCane who wrote another "Player Profile" on his favorite player Matt "The Warrior" Bosher.

Another that I wrote on a special Tribiute about The Jack (McClinton).

And we also will have the Spring Game write up and then Ocala's traditionasl "photo essay" to follow.

[Chinese Punisher aka Cavaleer]

Excellent work Solar. Great insight, the type that shows how mature yet youthful these Shannonites are.

Does anyone know Shields new #??

[solarcane]

thanks chi,
I spent a lot of time researching that article, appreciate your encouragement.

Collier is a good kid, I'm hoping the best for him
peace

[360Cane]

Just saw a few articles on the Herald about players "rebounding". Does this mean we should sign them up for the Bball team?

Man, can't wait to see these boys come through this year. And terrible news about JJ. It has to be his diet. Poor guy!

[360Cane]

Typekey/pad, whatever. They both SUCK! LOL

[SOUP]

Final Score tonight (in case U missed it):

Canes 13
FAU 6

[solarcane]

Soup thanks for adding the pics.

Another good win for the baseballers

I'm out

catch The Legion tomorrow

peace

[Calvin]

When you hear shannon say guys are starting to understand that old school mentality of what it takes to be a Hurricane, you know it's real, cause shannon and letting shat like that come out of his mouth unless it's true. I'm not surprised orlando franklin has been getting into it with a few defensive players, i like how quick he put the preston parker situation to rest back when parker switched out and committed to Fsu, although they played on the same team and were cool with each other, he said it quick, he's the enemy now.

The reason i bring this up because these are the situations shannon has been trying to create, that atmosphere where the competition is strong enough to make guys wanna fight from time to time, than come game time, take it out for real on the opponents.

I luv hearing that story about ray lewis before they played the giants in the superbowl they asked jamie sharper what he remembered most about the superbowl and he said the pre-game speeches, he said strahan was over their telling his team not to be nervous, etc. etc. he said than here come ray talking just the oppossite hollering saying "WE GONE UNLEASH HELL 2DAY".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iStYSPOMD3k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Vtf3-EyHoA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0q5YE0cxGU

[IraqiCane]

Awesome, Awesome feature write up SolarCane. I'm so glad so see the old skool coming back with a force. I can't wait to see great things this year.

GO CANES!!!

[SOUP]

Nice work again Solar. I'll see if I can get U an autograph from Pimp at the scrimmage.

[canesteelers]

Solar keep it coming, good article! I always like the stories which talk about the players lifes off the field!

[Hurricanedave]

Great article Solar. I grew up in the Philly area, I'm a life long Eagle fan. Maybe "Pimp" will have the same success as Brian Westbrook with Whipple's new offense.

[MWD]

Good morning Space.

Not sure if this has been asked yet but, will the Spring Game be broadcast live on tv? I remember a couple of years ago being stuck at work but also being able to see the game on Comcast's Sports Channel. Looks like I'll be stuck at work again...

[MWD]

NICE ARTICLE!!

[Canefantasy]

Canespace!!!!! I love you and in case I dont see you goodafternoon, goodmorning, and goodnight!!

[Canez1]

MWD CSS is covering the spring game. Gotta have comcast to get it tho.

Soiler nice article my man!

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[Cat5Cane]

N I C E....

3 Travis Bengamin, Belle Glades
28 Thearon Collier, Booker T
81 Devon Johnson, Booker T
83 Kendal Thompkins, Northwestern

... Hot Peppers!... Get Your HOT PEPPERS!!!

Shields is now #9

[OCALACANE]

Great article Solar!

Gettin ready for a trip south!!!
I am soooooo excited, 1st. time in the 305 for the soon to be new Mrs. OCALACANE! Gonna do Friday night hardball at the Light ;) Saturday morning Canefest. Sunday South Beach or the Grove.
86,soup...
See ya at the Titanic around 5:00 pm.

GOT SOME CANES OVERHERE!!!

[Canefantasy]

WELCOME TO MIAMI... PARTY IN THE CITY WHERE THE HEAT IS ON!!!

[The Truth]

Ocala

Make it south beach but hit up Espaniola way or Lincoln road. Don't know when's the last time you've been but the grove is dead.

The places to eat on Espaniola are all good and it's a nice quaint and perfectly romantic little nook.

[Canez1]

Randy Shannon on Hurricane Hotline a few mins ago.

Allen Bailey, Travis Benjamin, and JJ won't play Sat.

Just a few nagging injuries is all. Wants to hold them
back a little.

Very happy with the work they have put into the weight room !!!!!!!

On Saturday it will be

First Team Offense
Versus
Second Team Defense

THEN

First Team Defense
Versus
Second Team Offense

Points system where the defense will get points for obtaining different goals will be in affect.

Spoke at length and very highly of Arthur Brown and Mike James. Said AB feeling very comfortable at Mlb. Said Mike James is special and doesn't play like a freshman.

Spoke highly of Brandon Washington, Gunn, and Fox.

Spoke highly of Randy Phillips and Telemaque.

GO CANEZ!!!!!

[The Truth]

And with Lincoln at this time of year you get tons of people watching and if you pay attention you see a lot...no exaggeration...of celebs strolling around.

[pre83]

And with Lincoln at this time of year you get tons of people watching and if you pay attention you see a lot...no exaggeration...of celebs strolling around.

Posted by: The Truth | March 26, 2009 at 09:45 AM

Including Truth himself! Couldn't resist, Verdad:)

Soup, perhaps the Legion could have volunteers sign up for the Truth Detectors Brigade! You can't tell me that he doesn't have that Zoro mystique! It might add a whole new element to the Space.

But to be honest, I like the anonymity. It definitely is only found on the Space!

BTW, Truth - What are your thoughts on the progress made to date with Jacory and the new offense?

As well, have you been able to get a feel for the way in which the new coordinators are gelling with the other staff and if the players are taking to them?

Go Canes!

[The Truth]

Pre

Everyones to busy to be "gelling" and believe me, the players don't give a rats a*s if the coaches get along or not.

As far as the O. Well, lately they've Bern lighting it up pretty good. But it's practice against a D that is experimenting with players and learning assignents too...so you know how that goes.

Jacory very much reminds me of Dorsey in the way he approaches the game. That's high praise so I'll temper it by saying he needs to beat FSU game 1 or else!! LOL

And seriously...it doesn't matter who I am. I'm here just like every other blogger having a blast talking canes. A lot if the guys I see on a daily basis are boring, pompus and flat out uninteresting. I value my conversations on here be love to give the good word when I can. So it's best I stay The Truth and Alterick, Larry's cousin.

[pre83]

Soup - With the impressive inroads you have made into the world of Canedom, what are the odds you could get an interview with the new coordinators and get their early take of the 2009 team and future of Cane football?

Solarcane - Gracias for the nice piece on Pimp.

Does this mean we can expect an article on AJ from 86 next? You know, to keep the Space Fair and Balanced.

Go Canes!

[solarcane]

IraqiCane, SOUP, canesteelers, hurridave, MWD, Canez1, Ocala

Thanks for the support, and taking time to read the article, always an honor to be asked to write something about the Canes.

peace

[The Truth]

I need to add that the offense is fluid. It has a purpose. Those kids are loving it.

Whipple is the real deal. He ooooozes confidence. It's like he eminates this bravado that if you - the player - just do your 1 little thing this play it'll be perfect.

He could teach this offense to a group of 3rd graders...he's great.

[solarcane]

soup thanks for offering to get Pimp's autograph for me.

Any 2009 Cane freebies you can grab and mail up will go directly into the "Hurri-Cave" upstairs.

peace

[reggaebob]

awesome article solar!!

and soup, as always, great work with the blog.

[OCALACANE]

Thanx Truth...
My Girl is Country. born in the 352 A true natural beauty. Blonde, blue eyes...
She is very excited.
I can't wait for her to smell the air, hear the music taste the food and feel the heat!!!
305 baby!
She was a lizard fan...
We saw the Canes smack UF 16-2 in Canesville and now she is hooked...

[Calvin]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06ibcmu0qIM

[Calvin]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9kWZtopmmU

[The Truth]

Ocala...

Sounds like you got a catch. Congrats.

If you want some suggestions, let me know. Ms. Truth and I have hit just about every spot there is and believe me, there is NO need to spend lots of $$ to eat good food.

I won't do it unless it's Joes. But that's it.

[pre83]

Truth -

Thanks for news! I am glad to know that they are busy and wouldn't expect otherwise. I used "gelling" only as a term to get an idea if there was a take on if RS made the right choices.

I know it is far too early to assess that, but when a such a substantial transition is made, you can get a feel for if the new processes, objectives and the like are taking shape.

I never got the feeling when Nix was putting in his system that there was much of an enthusiasm for it. I know that the talent has been upgraded since Nix first arrived, but there seems to be a confidence that's been dearly lacking this Spring. We'll get to see the results soon enough, but I hope it isn't so much of crossing fingers. A team that plays with confidence because it believes in what its doing would be refreshing.

As for the player/coach relationship, I am curious to know if players are "getting' the new methods the new staff uses or has it been a slow-go adjustment for them?

I was serious when I noted that I like your anonymity. I was only kidding by mentioning the Truth Detectors from some of the recent posts on those trying to get you to crack!

I am not a guy who needs to know all about the everybody. It is what it is and what it is is great to me! Aside from my business's website, the Space is the site I frequent the most and very much appreciate all it brings!

Go Canes!

[pre83]

Truth - I was still typing when you mentioned your thoughts on Whipple's offense and the type of coach he is.

I have to say it got me pumped for the upcoming season!

Gracias!

Go Canes!

[UMike]

OCALA...I will be on the look out for you and the new future wifey

[The Truth]

I gotcha pre ;-)

[Calvin]

http://www.790theticket.com/Showcase/hotornot/Browse.aspx?pn=1

[CanesgirlNC]

Solar - nice! I remember the first big time I play that I was at a game for was against Duke - he made a grab in the middle of traffic - knew then he was something special

[CanesgirlNC]

Truth - what is the deal with OL?

[The Truth]

Pre

I was wrong but I really believed Nix year 1 was a wash cuz of the 2 QBs he inhereted.

I thought year 2 was a project cuz of all the frosh implemented into his passing game and I was willing to reserve judgement. Sitting up there in Ga watching the D get pounded I kept waiting to see Nix use the middle of the field that was WIDE open. I kept waiting to see him open it up to get the O some points. He had no clue.

But after seeing whipple it's clear Nix was just a a dissaster as Carlos was sure of.

Whipple will have this team playing much better football. The offense is lightyears more evolved. Now, does that translate into production? We shall see with this group of players but the scheme is great.

[OCALACANE]

Umike I will be with 86...
U know me have camera will shoot!
Friday we will get to the Titanic at about 5:00pm. Leavin Lizard Land at 12:30pm.
Hangin at the Hampton overnights I am FREAKIN PSYCHED!!!

[The Truth]

CGNC

Two words:

Mongolian Clusterf@ck.

But seriously, I don't know. Maybe nothing. Maybe I'm being too critical. They look fine sometimes and then look like dancing with the stars others. Maybe it's just spring and lots of teaching means lots of doing the cha cha.

[Esteban]

South Beach every day over the Grove. But I was a mostly a day time / early evening South Beach person for the most part. Leave the clubs for other folk - unless its Phat Tuesday's and I can walk in with shorts.

[Esteban]

Truth, when is Franklin going to move out to RT? They waiting on Figs to get back in the summer or something?

[The Truth]

Este I'm with you on the day time - early evening

And I don't know. I have no clue. I was hoping to see Gunn get PT at center but with Fig out he's been there at guard and looking strong. He'd make a great anchor...

[Canez1]

T I am still shocked Whipple came here. The dude knows his O.

I used to watch his teams up here at UNH all the time and they used to light teams up.

The only problem was they had no defense so they would lose games 52-50.

He belongs at OC at this level.

We will definitely do our thing on O if the kids are ready.

GO CANEZ!!!!!