In the heart of Joliet, Illinois, 8th grader Collin Richards is already making waves on the football field. A student at Aux Sable Middle School and a proud member of the Class of 2029, Collin is preparing to begin his high school journey at Minooka Community High School. But for those who’ve seen him play or know the work he’s put in, it’s clear—this young quarterback isn’t just ready for high school football, he’s hungry for it.

Collin’s football journey began at age 7, sparked by a love for the physical nature of the sport and the competitive fire it ignites. “I enjoy being physical and it gets me hyped playing the sport I love,” he says. But it wasn’t just the action that drew him in—it was the quarterback position that truly captured his heart. “I love being a QB because I can control the field and take over the game. Making good plays and slinging the ball really makes me love being a QB.”

He approaches the position with maturity and insight, already recognizing the traits that make a successful quarterback: leadership, accuracy, decision-making, mobility, and the ability to process quickly. Just as important to him are how a quarterback treats their teammates and coaches, and the attitude they bring both on and off the field.

When asked about role models, Collin points to Michigan standout JJ McCarthy and Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart. “JJ especially because of his decision making and accuracy, but what really makes me love him is his personality, leadership, and attitude,” Collin says. “Jaxson Dart, I love his mobility and how tough and strong he is on the field.”

Off the field, Collin stays active—riding bikes with friends, lifting daily, and shooting hoops in his free time. He trains frequently with his quarterback coach, Greg Holcomb, at Rise and Fire Camps hosted by Next Level Athletix, as well as at Quarterback Universe camps. He also competes in 7v7 with Supreme and M2 Sports Academy. “This offseason, my dad is taking me to a lot of college prospect camps,” he adds. “I really enjoy the Rise and Fire camps because my quarterback coach runs them and he really knows what he is doing and has a high standard.”

That focus on training has paid off. One of his biggest personal improvements has been throwing on the run, something he’s drilled every weekend. Just as important to him is maintaining a cool head and steady attitude: “I’ve worked on calming myself down, taking deep breaths, and keeping focused.”

His preparation routine before games is a sign of his commitment. He arrives two hours early, spends time with teammates listening to music in the locker room, then heads out for stretches and warmups. “I think about the plays we’ve gone over throughout the week and what I need to do as the leader to help my teammates win,” he says.

Collin’s support system is a huge part of his success. He credits Coach Holcomb for teaching him the fundamentals of the quarterback position and his dad for introducing him to the game and being by his side from day one. His younger brother Camden, a talented wide receiver, helps him sharpen his passing in practice, and his family—especially his parents and grandfather—have never missed a game.

On the field, Collin’s play speaks for itself. In a recent playoff game, backed up on their own 15-yard line on 4th and 9, he connected with his receiver Kenzo for a 40-yard completion that set up the game-winning drive. In the semifinals, he stepped up on defense, playing safety and grabbing a goal-line interception in the final minute to send his team to the championship.

Looking ahead, Collin’s short-term goal is clear: earn the starting quarterback job as a freshman. Long-term, he has his eyes on taking over the varsity job as a sophomore. With his talent, work ethic, and mindset, those goals seem well within reach.

“My advice to young players is to not worry too much and have fun,” he says. “You’re too young to not enjoy the sport. Enjoy what you do and compete to win.”

Collin Richards plays the game with heart, confidence, and a deep sense of responsibility to his team. As he heads into high school, the road ahead is wide open—and he’s ready to take the reins.