Notre Dame LB Prince Kollie Ready to Get Rolling

2021 Jonesborough (Tenn.) linebacker Prince Kollie‍ put the final stamp on his high school career last week as he was named Gatorade Player of the Year in Tennessee. 

The four-star prospect was dominant on both sides of the ball in 2020 as he put up some mind-blowing numbers. 

Kollie rushed for 1,562 yards and 26 touchdowns while catching 13 passes for 290 yards and three touchdowns. On defense, the Notre Dame signee made 109 tackles and 11 tackles for loss.

It was an award Kollie wanted to win and it was actually on his mind when he got a notification in his inbox. 

"I'm just sitting back and watching God work," Kollie told ISD. "I was a little surprised. I was thinking about it and then I got an email and what do you know." 

Kollie is now putting in the final preparations before he arrives at Notre Dame in a few weeks. He's currently measuring in at 6-foot-2, 215 pounds and has attacked the Notre Dame strength and conditioning plan.

"I'm doing a whole lot of lifting and running," stated Kollie. "It was a huge change with some of the workouts they have. I still have to get used to some of them. 

"We have an app and they have conditioning. It's a lot of running." 

Kollie is also finishing up the last few days of his senior year, but has also made time to get on Zoom meetings with fellow linebacker signee Kahanu Kia‍ to dive into the playbook with the Notre Dame staff. 

"They've been great," said Kollie. "I'm really getting used to Kahanu as well and I can't wait to play with him. We're both into it and digging into the playbook." 

Now, learning a playbook over Zoom isn't ideal, yet Kollie has embraced it.

"It's kind of tough," stated Kollie. "If you pay attention, it's just football at the end of the day."

Kollie is also looking forward to building a strong relationship with new Notre Dame defensive coordinator Marcus Freeman. The two have been in contact and Kollie's excited to get to South Bend to strengthen the relationship.

"It's a slow process and it will probably pick up when I get to campus," Kollie said. "He's having to work with the guys he has right now. It's starting to build."

The Tennessee native is also excited to get back on the field as fall camp will be here sooner than later.

"I'm definitely looking forward to playing," Kollie said. "I'm ready to put the pads back on and show everyone what I can do." 

Kollie is also cherishing his final days at home as he knows June is coming quickly. 

"I'm going to miss all my friends, family and Jonesborough in general," said Kollie. "I don't want to think about that too much, but I'll miss those guys."