There are two things that drew Muldrow Bulldogs senior football player Teaguen Collins to want to sign with the Emporia State University Hornets, which he did in a signing ceremony Thursday afternoon at Roger Sharp Activity Center.
The first is the football program itself at the Emporia, Kan., institution.
“I like everything (Emporia State) Coach (Garin) Higgins and all the coaching staff (which includes former Muldrow Bulldog Braden Gleason, who is now the quarterbacks coach) does,” Collins said. “That really was the reason why I chose to go there.”
The second reason, and likely the bigger of the two reasons for putting his “John Hancock” on the letter of intent with the Hornets is the family connection and “feel.”
“It (Emporia State University) gave me a family feel,” said Collins, who was named to the 2026 Oklahoma Coaches Association East All-State Football Team last Wednesday. “I’ve been around them because my brother (Trenden Collins) went there. I try to make that the last reason. I try to keep it (the family connection) to the end, but that was probably the deciding factor. It just shows they’re doing something right if they keep all these kids going there.”
“You hope (the chance to play college football) is inevitable,” Muldrow coach Logan Coatney said. “As a coach, we’ll always remember the wins we get Friday nights. This is the part of it we really look forward to. It’s a young man who has accomplished his goals and carried out his dreams to play at the next level. We’ve always known that Teaguen has a special talent. We’ve been able to watch him grow for the last four years continuing to grow in what he does and watch his body develop. People see what’s on the field. What they don’t see is when the lights go off. He’s the first one in and the last one out, and the reps he got. I’m just truly excited for him and the opportunity he has.”
Collins, who is going to be used as a wide receiver by the Hornets, said he will have a chance to make an impact immediately as a true freshman.
“As long as I put the work in and I keep working, I feel like there’s a pretty strong chance to make an impact (as a freshman) pretty quickly,” Collins said.
After three games, Collins said he will be made known if he will end up being red-shirted or not.
“I have like a threegame limit,” he said. “If I’m producing well and I can play, then I won’t have to red-shirt and be able to make an impact (as a true freshman).”
By signing his letter of intent Thursday afternoon, Collins will take the second step toward his overall goal.
“It’s getting me one step closer to my dream, playing professionally in the NFL,” the Muldrow senior said. “I’m very excited.”
Collins believes his prep career has gotten him as prepared as possible to play at the next level.
“I think it’s prepared me pretty well,” Collins said. “It’s just staying disciplined, keeping my head down and do the work. College is a different level. It’s just getting to that point and getting ready for that next level. I’m looking forward to it.”
The Emporia State Hornets signee also is not too concerned with the distance between Muldrow and Emporia.
“It’s about a four- to five-hour drive,” said Collins, who was named to the first team of the All-District 3A-3 Football Team. “It’s not too far.” “Just his desire to play the game and continue to learn and grow is great,” Coatney said. “I hate to see him leave. He’s been a part of what (success) we’ve been able to do here the last four years. I’m truly excited for him and the opportunity he has (at Emporia State University). He’ll do a great job up there.”
