Collin Darnell submitted official paperwork back in December, but as the school year comes to a close and with more COVID restrictions being lifted, Russell County High School had a signing ceremony for Darnell as he prepares to join the Lindsey Wilson Blue Raiders Football team.
Darnell, who finishes his Laker career with more than 2,700 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns, joins a Blue Raider team fresh off their first NAIA National Championship.
Darnell said he’s excited to join a program that is establishing itself as one of the top NAIA Football programs in the country.
“There’s always been a really high standard there, but now with a national championship, I really have to go above and beyond to do what I want to do,” Darnell said. “I have to hold myself to that high standard and I want to go play my freshman year, so that’s what my mindset is. I’m going to do all that I can do to get on the field.”
Having a signing ceremony at the school surrounded by family, coaches, teammates, and friends was important for Darnell, and Thursday’s ceremony “tied a bow” on his Laker career.
“It’s really an honor,” Darnell said. “It means so much. I could never thank everybody enough for all the support.”
Darnell said Lindsey Wilson really pitched academics to him, which played a significant role in his decision to sign with LWC. He plans to major in biology in college and is looking at a career in occupational therapy.
“They focused a lot on academics, which means a whole lot to me,” Darnell said. “They talked about making sure I was set up and helping me with academics every day, setting up tutoring and things like that. Honestly, that got me the most. The fact that they talked about that and let me know that I would have people I could go to to help me out, that was enough to pull me in.”
Darnell added that Lindsey Wilson College being close to home played a key role in his decision as well. His family is in the process of moving back to Columbia, and Darnell said being nearby to his parents and siblings has always been important.
“That was one of the biggest things for me,” Darnell said. “I’m kind of a big home body. I love being home and being around my family.”
On the field, Darnell said he isn’t sure exactly what his role will be, but he trusts that Coach Chris Oliver, who was recently named NAIA Coach of the Year, will put him in roles where he will be able to succeed and help the team win.
“I’m willing to do whatever it is that I need to do to get on the field,” Darnell said.
