Tag Archives: starpics 1992

NFL

Coryatt, Quentin “Q”

Cards: StarPics 1992, ActionPacked Rookies 1992, GameDay 1992
Received: TTM 1992, 1993, C/o The Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts in 1992 had certainly positioned themselves well in the draft possessing the #1 and #2 pick overall after receiving the Buccaneers #1 pick (second overall) after trading them with Chris Chandler. The Colts would take Steve Emtman #1 and then get Coryatt #2 in the draft. – Neither of them would ever make the Pro Bowl over their career, while a lot of talent was left on the board with Sean Gilbert, Troy Vincent,Marco Coleman, Chester McGlocton, Dale Carter and Robert Jones all coming off the board in the first round alone after these two.  (Overall probably the most recognizable name from this draft would probably become wide receiver Jimmy Smith.) Coryatt would be a devastating linebacker at A&M especially when paired with Aaron Wallace in the famed ‘Wrecking Crew’. A vicious hitter, Quentin received recognition as the SWC defensive player of the year in 1991.

After being taken by the Colts second overall he’d find himself moved around the middle three over the next 6 seasons for the franchise and play in every position. Injuries would limit his contributions in 1992, starting 7 games and making 54 tackles at LILB. While 1993 would show perhaps a glimpse of his talent as Quentin racked up 150 tackles at MLB, he’d move to RLB the next two seasons and make roughly 140 tackles. Another injury plagued 1996 would limit his contributions to 7 games and 32 tackles, and while he’d play 15 games in 1997 and have a pretty good season with 2 picks, 2 sacks, 2 FF and 59 tackles- he’d be allowed to leave via free agency in 1999 and play 4 games with the Dallas Cowboys in 1999 and retire.

I remember when I got Quentin’s autographs through the mail. I really wanted to get the Action Packed Rookies 1992 card signed and sent back for that and the Game Day. After I got the autograph back- a year or two later he sent me a form letter indicating that he was forming his own fan club called the “Q Club” for all his fans, but by this point I was pretty much done for a bit collecting TTM.

Unfortunately Coryatt had flashes of brilliance and indeed was a worthy draft choice- but probably at not such a lofty number. There was a sense the Colts drafted him based on his highlight tape- not on if he fit their defensive scheme as Coryatt was constantly being moved around the linebacking corps. I think Quentin would be remembered differently if he had been drafted in the 3rd round perhaps, but his performance certainly doesn’t necessarily quantify him as a bona fide bust. Quentin however is still considered a local legend at Texas A&M, and recently reunited with many of his former teammates at the school as honorary captains.

G/Gs  82/77      Tac  442       Sac  8.5       Fum   7      Int 3       Yds 9        Avg 3.0       Td 0         Lg 6

One of Coryatt’s vicious hits: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1vCZ6zt4Es&feature=related

 

NFL

Collins, Todd

Card: Star Pics 1992
Acquired: TTM 1993, c/o New England Patriots

An incredibly fast linebacker that ran a sub 4.3 after rehabbing from knee surgery, Todd Collins was a powerful hitter that was considered a top 5 linebacker in the 1992 draft.  Collins originally committed to play for Georgia, and then transferred first to Tennessee, and later to tiny Carson-Newman. Collins was eventually drafted by the New England Patriots and played for them from 1992-1998, and the Rams through 2000. starting in a Super Bowl once for each team.  Injuries shortened his career and he retired briefly for a season in 1995, but Collins was a ferocious competitor who fought through pain including a separated shoulder, a bum knee, a broken foot, and a strained neck over his tenure in the sport.  In a quirky side note, before a big games Todd practiced a superstition of rubbing stones and charms over previous injuries he’d sustained. Teams even began selling an incense before the game that he apparently liked to use to profit off of his behavior.

In 1992 I began sending out for autographs bulk through the mail to teams. I’d write a letter with 20-30 cards included with it trying to get a bunch of autographs at once. Most of the time I’d get letters back saying I needed to send cards to specific players, but on the rare occasion I’d get lucky with a bulk autograph return. I focused on the really bad teams, the 1-15s and 3-12s of the year because I theorized that they’d probably get less fan mail and Todd was one of my successes during one of my Patriot blitzes.

G  106      Tac  329      Sac  3.5      Fum   4      Int  2      Yds  15     Td 0