JUCO Standout Wesley Collins Adjusting Comfortably at the Collegiate Ranks

Independence Community College running back Wesley Collins was asked recently to assess his relationship with the Pirates coaching staff.

"Me and the coaches on staff here at ICC have a great relationship," Collins told Bleacher Report on Wednesday. "But as for the running back coach, I couldn't have asked for a better mentor and coach. He's the type of coach you will go out there and fight for."

Collins, a redshirt freshman, was alluding to Independence running backs coach VanDyke Jones II. Now in his second season as a member of the ICC coaching staff, Jones II also serves as the Pirates strength and conditioning coordinator as well as works intensely with a number of players on the Pirates special teams.

Jones II has played a pivotal role in helping Collins become acclimated to the team's potent rushing attack, particularly after the former Field Kindley High standout made the transition from Butler Community College.

To his credit, it's safe to assume that Collins has taken heed to the advice Jones II has passed along to him considering he has emerged as the team's top rusher.

Heading into Saturday's home game against cross-state rival Coffeyville, Collins leads the Pirates with 180 yards on 36 carries through three games. His longest run, a 28-yard scamper, came in last week's home loss to Dodge City.

Collins' 36 rushes are first on the team, ahead of fellow back Courtney Allen, who has generated 34 carries through three outings.

Add to the fact that Collins appears to be adjusting comfortably to his new team, and it's no wonder many believe the sky's the limit for a speedy back who's finally fulfilling his dream of playing collegiate football.

Also, Collins doesn't shy away from the fact that he's still somewhat fazed over the Butler coaching staff electing to release him after last season.

How else is there to explain why he labeled ICC's season opener a "statement game"?

"With my debut being against Butler, I wanted to make a statement," said Collins, who finished with a team-best 80 yards on 18 carries in a 57-16 loss to the Grizzlies. "I played well, and I definitely felt I left a sour taste in their mouths about my release. Versus Iowa Central, I didn't have the game I strived to have, but I didn't play bad. Versus Dodge City, I played well again, very similar to Butler, but definitely not as good as I would have wanted to play."

For Collins and Co., there is still much more football to be played to erase the memory of ICC's 0-3 start. The Pirates have seven regular-season games remaining, more than enough time to regroup, let alone get more stellar performances from Collins, their featured back. He was recruited by a host of major Division I colleges while at Field Kindley, most notably Tulsa, Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State, Missouri Southern, Northern Iowa and Southern Illinois, among others.

Now that he is starting to flourish in this, his first full season of college football, the possibility exists that these schools could continue their pursuit of the Pirates' featured back.

"Personally, I felt that my performance during the spring was good even with the mistakes, especially during the spring game where I led the team in rushing yards," Collins said. "Through (spring practices), I felt really good. I felt I blossomed into my own."

That’s quite evident given how quickly he's becoming acclimated at the collegiate ranks.

Andre Johnson is a regular contributor for Bleacher Report. Based in Dallas, Texas, Johnson covers the NFL and the NBA's Southwest Division. To reach Johnson, send an email to [e-mail]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.