FAYETTEVILLE -- Reaching their senior seasons at the University of Arkansas is worth the wait for Jared Collins and Kody Walker.
The weight that Collins, a cornerback, has gained since his freshman season in 2012 has suited him well.
Walker, a sixth-year running back and the last active Razorback from Bobby Petrino's last team in 2011, has lost weight during his career at Arkansas.
In boxing terms, fifth-year senior Collins has bulked from welterweight to light heavyweight since reporting from Tulsa's Booker T. Washington High School as a Petrino signee inherited by 2012 interim coach John L. Smith.
"I was 149 when I came as a freshman and I am 173 now," Collins said. "A lot of PBJ and pasta trying to get the carbs in me."
Smith redshirted the scrawny 5-11 cornerback, a major favor to now fourth-year coach Bret Bielema. Bielema played Collins 11 games in 2013 including starting him the last two.
Collins started 11 games for Bielema's 7-6 Razorbacks in 2014. Now Collins has started 23 consecutive games, including every game of Arkansas 8-5 2015 campaign.
The bigger Collins got at Bielema's urging and strength coach Ben Herbert's force feeding, the more durable he became as the every down corner including team-leading 13 and nine pass breakups, respectively, for 2014 and 2015.
Collins said he's the most physical tackler and pass defender he's been while at Arkansas, yet he's still feeling fast and quick.
"I don't feel heavy at all," Collins said. "I feel good. This is the most confidence I have had coming into the season. I feel good about the things I will be able to do."
Walker, 6-2, arrived in 2011 from Jefferson City, Mo. as a heavyweight fullback/ goal-line tailback until opening this preseason camp listed 25 pounds lighter than last year's peak 265.
Season-ending injuries after two games in 2011 and three games in 2012 enabled Walker to be granted his sixth season in 2016.
Other than 2014, Walker as a big back never completed a season injury free. He missed four games last fall then broke his right foot prematurely ending what had been a productive spring.
Initially shedding last winter his fullback weight as a full-time tailback with former 1,000-yard backs Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams gone to the NFL, Walker insists the now healed broken foot was a fluke. He asserts losing to 240 and sometimes below gives him a healthy gain in speed, stamina and overall health.
"I think I had a great summer," Walker said. "By the end of June I was back doing everything with my team. Cutting this weight down is going to help me with my injuries."
And hurt Colonel Sanders and sour those selling sweets.
"Cutting out the fried foods and late night eating and sweets and all the good stuff," Walker said. "It's tough but helps in the long run."
Sports on 08/08/2016