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New York Giants: Comparing Landon Collins and Lawrence Taylor

By John Franklin

Nov 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants safety Landon Collins (21) reacts after stopping the Philadelphia Eagles on fourth down during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants safety Landon Collins (21) reacts after stopping the Philadelphia Eagles on fourth down during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Derrick Woods (12) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Landon Collins (26) in the first half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Derrick Woods (12) is tackled by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Landon Collins (26) in the first half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /

Collegiate All-Americans

Before entering the NFL both Collins and Taylor experienced valuable college success. Taylor started his career at the University of North Carolina as defensive end. In his second year Taylor changed his position and became an outside linebacker.

After the position change, Taylor became one of the most feared pass rushers in the country. In his final year as a Tar Heel, Taylor had 16 total sacks and broke several defensive records.  This dominating performance in 1980 earned Taylor the title of All-American.

Collins had a similar career at Alabama.  In his first year Collins came in as a backup for Nick Saban’s defense, but in his sophomore year he broke out for the Crimson Tide. He finished his sophomore year with 70 total tackles and two interceptions, but Collins wasn’t finished just yet.

Just like Taylor, Collins had his best year in his last year playing college football. As a junior Collins had a team-leading 98 tackles, and three interceptions. He earned the well-deserved title of All-American, just as Taylor did, before entering the NFL Draft.

The two reached national prominence before entering the league. Obviously Taylor was drafted much higher than Collins, but the two both share the title of All-American.

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