Interview: Unlimited Possibilities for 2022 Bentonville RB Christopher Collier-Surly
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When God given athletic ability connects with character and determination, there is no limit to what one can do on the gridiron. Bentonville High School running back Chris Collier-Surly is different in more ways than one, both on and off the field, and those challenges faced will make him a success as a collegiate player and throughout his adult life.
On the field, there are few that can match the speed and will power of Collier-Surly. The 5-9, 185-pound, back has elite speed, clocked at a 4.41 during a Tigers’ Pro Day at Bentonville High School this spring. The game film shows the acceleration and separation he gets from the line, through the second level and against the secondary, even when defensive backs have the angle on him. Getting a couple of carries against Rogers, he rushed for 100. Same against Fayetteville netting 60 yards on two totes, and ditto for Springdale posting 88 yards on two carries. What may come during the 2021 season promises to be awe inspiring.
Off the field, the story is heartbreaking but building to a fairytale ending. After being homeless and without a family construct, on June 19, 2020, Collier-Surly was adopted. Given that environment of love and protection with the opportunity to succeed and focus on being a high school student-athlete, Collier-Surly is one in the 2022 recruiting class to root for throughout his career.
In an RNG first-look interview, Collier-Surly stopped by the RNG Lab for a detailed one-on-one.
Interview
Chris, the Tigers’ offense was not joking around in 2020 averaging 45.5 points per game. What was working for you guys to have such an impressive season against Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas teams?
Playing against elite competition including in our non-conference schedule, our run and pass was clicking. We’ve always had an elite defense. In those first couple of games, our defense made big stops to win games for us. (WR) Chas Nimrod, he will go get it.
Between the running backs and me, our coaches gave us the ball and let us do our things. (WR) Cooper Smith is an underrated guy. He plays hard, is fast, gets open, and cuts on a dime. We call him “Sweet Feet”.
Coming out of the backfield for Bentonville, you are that downhill runner hitting full-speed within two steps. I have to ask, how fast are you?
Good question. Back in January I ran a 4.55, which was not horrible. We had our Pro Day not too long ago, but our lasers were not working. I was clocked at a 4.41 then.
Nice. In addition to your speed, you run with power fighting through contact and arm tackles. What do you feel are some of the other strengths to your skills as a running back?
Honestly, I know how to read a defense. I play running back like a quarterback. I understand stunts and coverages. Another thing is my field vision coming out of the backfield. If you cannot see the field, it does not matter how fast you are.
What have you been doing this offseason to increase your explosiveness and power?
A lot of things in the weight room are fundamental. I am going back to the basics and working on dynamic agility, my side-to-side movement, and explosiveness through the gaps. With squats, I am working on my lower body getting my legs at a 90-degree angle. When I lift, I am getting the most out of my lifts.
What have you been doing to improve your agility?
Track comes into play. That is my second sport. I enjoy it.
Which events are you competing in this spring?
(Laughs) The 100, 200, the first leg of the 4×1, and long jump. Occasionally I work on the high jump to work on my vertical, and I do shotput.
That is a lot of work. In the 100, what is your PR?
I ran a 11.5 in my first meet. I should be in the 11.2 or 10.9 range this year. We’ve only had three meets and the season is almost over.
When the 2021 season gets going, will we see you doing anything differently on the field?
The plan is to stay at running back. I have a passion playing running back. That is a position I love and a position that loves me. Most people do not understand that. Playing running back is in my blood. I am not sure what it was about first playing running back, but I knew I needed to play that position. Sometimes I will go out at slot or receiver, but running back is my position.
Have you been to any camps yet and/or do you have any camps coming up you may attend national or local?
Yes, sir. I have been to a couple of showcases. There was one in Batesville, I went to see what them boys are doing. There are a lot of virtual visits last couple weeks, UCM, that is coming up. With summer camps, we will see. I have some invites to some camps. We will see what happens. There is a lot of time for coaches coming out to see our practices and then figure out which camps I should go to this summer.
Are there any college camps that you are looking at or already know you want to attend?
U-of-A (Arkansas) is close to home. I will go out there and show them what I can do. I am open to any college camp if they are interested in me. There is not a select camp right now I am planning on going to.
Last question for you. What inspires you on the football field?
I have been waiting for this moment in our interview. I came from a bad background; understanding where I have been and where I want to go, and those that I want to help. Football not about making money for me, I just want to play. The game loves me and I love it back. Playing football is my dream. When I did not have a family and I was homeless, I still knew I needed to get out there and play. I knew I was with the top people in my class, it was the recognition that was not there. Now I have a family that loves and treats me right. I want to give back to them. This is my time to shine.
Chris, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you great success this spring and summer at the various camps.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Collier-Surly family; Christopher Collier-Surly