Collins, Jackson Earn Phil Steele/DraftScout All-American Status

Collins, Jackson Earn Phil Steele/DraftScout All-American Status

RICHMOND, Ky. – Redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Payton Collins and redshirt senior linebacker Matthew Jackson were both named Fourth-Team Phil Steele/DraftScout All-Americans, the organization announced Tuesday. 

RICHMOND, Ky. – Redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Payton Collins and redshirt senior linebacker Matthew Jackson were both named Fourth-Team Phil Steele/DraftScout All-Americans, the organization announced Tuesday. 

Collins started all 12 games at left tackle, extending his streak of consecutive starts to 32. A native of Columbus, Ohio, Collins was part of offensive line that helped EKU rank third nationally in passing offense per game (329.7), fifth in third-down conversion percentage (.519), 10th in total offense per game (451.3), 11th in scoring offense (36.2), and 18th in red zone offense (.879). Collins was a key member of a unit that allowed quarterback Parker McKinney to set EKU single-season records for passing yards, passing touchdowns, and pass completions. He also helped EKU tally its highest point total since the 2014 season.

Jackson led the Colonel defense with 87 tackles this season while also registering 7.5 tackles for loss, four pass breakups, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. He ranked third in the ASUN in tackles and tackles per game. The Nashville, Tenn., native posted double-digit tackles in three different contests. In EKU’s win at FBS foe Bowling Green, Jackson made 10 stops and broke up two passes. He tallied 14 tackles against Jacksonville State, then followed with a career-high 18 tackles with 3.0 tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery against Kennesaw State.