Tigers feel Collins is Cantwell’s heir apparent as COC East’s best left tackle

Published 4:43 am Monday, October 26, 2026

Concentrating on his own technique, Ozark left tackle Isaiah Collins didn’t spend too much time in past years studying the craft of his neighboring All-American counterpart, Nixa grad Jackson Cantwell.

“I want to be my own character. I want to be me,” Collins said when asked about watching Cantwell in Ozark-Nixa contests. “I don’t want to be anyone else.”

Collins, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound junior, has already gained an identity as a long-standing member of the Tigers’ offensive line as a two-year starter. In the eyes of his teammates, he’s also established himself as a premier left tackle.

Let the candidacy for Collins as an All-COC East left tackle begin.

“He’s hands down the best left tackle in the COC and I would say in SWMO,” tight end Hendrix Haymes said. “He’s got a motor and drive. He’s got really quick feet for a guy his size. Running the ball to the left side has been our most prominent (play). A lot of times, we get to ‘backers. Guys can get behind me and Isaiah and score.”

“He’s one of the best tackles in the state without a doubt,” outside linebacker Stanley Brice said. “All the work he puts in, all that shows.”

Collins has been proud of his effort this season. He’s helped the Ozark offense put up an average of 28.9 points a game and amass more than 2,000 yards rushing.

“I think I’ve made a good claim and solidified myself as one of the better tackles in the COC,” he said.

Comparing his junior season to his sophomore season, Collins feels confidence has spurred his improvement.

Last year, I wasn’t as aggressive as I should have been,” he said. “Being a sophomore, I was not wanting to mess up. This year, I’m not afraid to make a mistake and am more aggressive.”

Collins has made it a habit to maintain his run-blocking past the line of scrimmage.

“I’m trying to make the play last as long as possible,” he said. “I want to give my ‘backs the best chance to score.”