Raiders LB playing third position in two years

In less than two years, L.D. Bell’s Collin Killough has played three positions, and had success at each.

But then, he’d play any position as long as it’s in a Blue Raiders uniform. The son of a former Raider, he’s dreamed of playing for the Bell varsity since he was old enough to hold a football.

“My dad [Kyle Killough] played for the Bell team that made it to the state finals in 1982,” said Killough. “He was a good player and that was a great team.”

Apparently Collin is also a good player – and a versatile player.

After spending time on the junior varsity as a quarterback, he was moved up to the varsity in the fifth game of his sophomore season. However, he learned it was not to play quarterback, but instead fullback – and he was put in the starting lineup with a week to learn a new position.

“The whole environment of Friday night was overwhelming, and I had to adjust fast,” he said. “I had a lot of senior help. It was time to man up and play varsity ball.”

Then came the spring, during which he missed all workouts because of a concussion he suffered in baseball playing catcher. In a strange occurrence, a ball popped up and hit him while he was attempting to block it from getting past him.

Come the fall, yep, he got news of another position switch. The Blue Raiders had graduated two players at the linebacker position, and guess who got the nod to move into one of those slots?

“I thought that was amazing. That’s a position at which they needed help, and I was ready,” Killough said. “Now I’m a quarterback on defense.”

First-year Bell coach Mike Glaze said Killough’s versatility can be a vital cog in the program as things progress.

“He’s an athlete, and he’s got a skill set that allows him to play multiple positions,” Glaze said. “He’s also a bright kid, and that helps when you’re switching positions and have to learn fast.”

Glaze said coming from a family that has a history of success with Bell is also a plus for Killough.

“They can talk about the tradition of Bell and being a part of it,” he said. “The family has emotional ties and an investment.”

Killough is already thinking about his college possibilities. And he’s ready to take on yet another challenge when he gets there.

“I would love to play baseball and football,” he said. “It’ll be tough to do, but it’s been done before, and if a college would give me a chance, I’d love to go for it.”

▪  L.D. Bell Blue Raiders (0-5, 0-1 in District 7-6A) at Richland Rebels (2-3, 1-0 in District 7-6A)

7:30 p.m. Friday, Birdville Fine Arts Athletics Complex

Bell loves to run (198.8 yards per game). Richland loves to throw (207.6). However, the Rebels’ running game (151.0) has been a stronger complement to their strength than has the Raiders’ passing (76.2). Bell leads the all-time series 20-15-2, with five wins in the past seven meetings. However, Richland won last year 35-8.

This story was originally published September 28, 2015 at 4:11 PM with the headline "Raiders LB playing third position in two years."