“It was cool,” said Collins, who will be fighting for a spot in the starting lineup when Towson’s camp opens on Aug. 5. “It was a little weird because they were all from big schools, and noone knew where Towson was. I was the like the underdog, and I had to prove myself.”

Along with his housemates, Collins had to prove himself to his “House Dad,” former Detroit Lions linebacker Chris Spielman. The four-time Pro Bowler coached and supported each of the players through day-to-day workouts, football drills and competition among one another.

“He was everything you think a former NFL linebacker would be. He was crazy,” Collins said. “When we were working out, he was real high-tempo. But he was a good dude.”

ESPNU came across Collins’ information on rivals.com ? a national scholastic recruiting Web site ? and contacted his father. Collins made a couple calls, filled out a questionnaire and got the OK from Towson coach Gordy Combs before agreeing to be on the program.

As soon as Combs cleared the idea through the school’s compliance program, he gave Collins his full backing.

“I didn’t have any fears at all. I just thought of the exposure he would bring to Towson football,” said Combs, who plans to use Collins as a strong safety. “Anytime you can get that kind of exposure for your school or yourself, it’s a no-brainer.”

Collins plans to take all the time and workouts he shared with Spielman and his television brethren and put them toward his career at Towson.

The reality show pits all six contestants against each other in daily competitions. The person with the most points at the end of the day earns money to be donated to charity. The person with the most points at the end of the week is crowned the “King of the House.”

Collins, who was more than willing to speak of his experiences on the show, kept the winner’s name to himself.

“I can’t say that. I’ll get in trouble,” Collins said. “But I did pretty well. That much I can say.”