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Jaelen Collins of Marana & Nathaniel Bryant of Mica Mountain returning home with NAU to face Arizona

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JAELEN COLLINS

  • Position: Cornerback
  • Height/Weight: 6-1 and 180 pounds
  • Class: Redshirt Sophomore

Background & Career Highlights:

  • At Marana, Collins was a highly versatile athlete playing both cornerback and wide receiver. He had 53 catches for 959 yards with 10 touchdowns in his career that concluded with the 2024 season. He tallied 124 tackles and six interceptions during his time with the Tigers.
  • Track & Field Champion: Beyond football, he was an elite track performer. He won the AIA Division I state championship in the long jump with a mark of 23 feet, 5.25 inches.
  • College Transition: Upon arriving at NAU, Collins transitioned primarily to the defensive secondary. He redshirted his first year in 2024 and then played in 10 games during the 2025 season, contributing mostly on special teams coverage.
  • He recorded a solo tackle in last week’s 34-27 win at Flagstaff over Eastern Washington.

NATHANIEL BRYANT

  • Position: Cornerback
  • Height/Weight: 6-0 and 185 pounds
  • Class: Freshman

Background & Career Highlights:

  • Bryant played wide receiver and cornerback for Mica Mountain. He was an important piece of Mica Mountain’s rising program, helping the team secure a 4A state championship in 2024 in the 42-13 victory over Arizona College Prep.
  • Playmaker traits: Known for his speed and defensive instincts, Bryant was highlighted during his high school career for game-changing defensive plays, including a pick-six touchdown that capped off a shutout victory against Sahuaro.
  • Compiled 89 tackles and five interceptions in his career.
  • Also a star track athlete. He was an integral part of Mica Mountain’s boys track and field team that won a divisional title his senior year. He had three first-place finishes — 100 meters (10.57 seconds, fastest in Southern Arizona), Long Jump (23’2″) and 4×100 relay (41.15). He also had a high jump of 6’6″ that year. He won five state championships his senior year.
  • Path to Flagstaff: Prior to joining the Lumberjacks, Bryant spent time at the Air Force Academy before officially enrolling at NAU as a true freshman for the current cycle.
  • His twin sister Samone also attends NAU and is a cheerleader. She will be at Casino del Sol Stadium on Saturday night.

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