The former kinesiology major and KPE graduate became the second Varsity Blue to 2025 CFL season following the BC Lions drafting and signing of Luka Stoikos in early May.
Ryan Collins's football career began back in Hamilton; he was a team MVP three times while still in high school. The six-foot-five linebacker went on to dress for 29 games as a Blue, tallying 100 career tackles (including five sacks). He also registered four interceptions, including a 28-yard interception return touchdown, six pass deflections, and one fumble recovery. Following a career year in 2022 where he recorded a single season-high 34.5 tackles, Collins received an invite and competed at the 2023 U SPORTS East-West Bowl.
Collins follows in the footsteps of a number of Blues who have gone on to play for the Argos, including running back Albert Awachie, offensive lineman D.J. Sackey and wide receiver Llevi Noel.
"It's an amazing feeling," Collins told the Star after his first practice with the team last Monday. “Seeing everybody working hard and working for one goal, it definitely pushes me to get in the playbook every chance I get and do all the little things right.”
Read the full story with the Toronto Star.