Markel McLaurin’s impact for Collins far exceeds the offensive side of the football. That was for sure proven last Friday in the Tiger’s 39-10 win over Northeast Jones.
Just minutes into the game, McLaurin returned a punt 62 yards for a touchdown and Collins’ first points of the contest. At halftime, his Tigers led 26-0, but they were still searching for more.
“I told the kids that if we can go out there and score on the first drive [of the second half], it would be over with,” said Collins coach Eric Booth.
Northeast Jones opted to kick it to McLaurin on the opening kickoff of the second half, and the senior made them pay, returning it 84 yards for his second touchdown of the night on special teams.
“Coach Booth said we had to set the tone for the team,” said McLaurin. “So when they kicked it to me, I knew I had to make a play. I made one.
“My teammates just blocked good. They paved the way for me.”
On special teams and offense, McLaurin has been Collins’ go-to weapon ever since his junior season in 2017. Said Booth, “He [McLaurin] helps me wherever I need help at. That young man is a great player and a great kid that puts the work in.”
McLaurin is regarded as one of the top wide receivers in the state for the 2019 class. As of right now, he holds scholarship offers from Southern Miss, Alcorn State and Jackson State, as well as numerous junior colleges.
He says Booth has played a major part in his steady improvement throughout the years. Of note, McLaurin’s first year as a starter was in 2016, and that was Booth’s first year on the job.
“Coach Booth pushes me harder than everybody else because he believes in me, and he knows I’ll never quit,” added McLaurin.
McLaurin, our Week 3 Sports601 Covington County Player of the Week, will be back in action for the Tigers next Friday as Collins (2-1) travels to Magee (2-1).
