Hollins Named EIU Male Senior Athlete Of Year

Wide receiver Alexander Hollins from football has been named the Eastern Illinois Male Senior Athlete of the Year for the 2018-19 academic year  The award is presented by the athletic department to the top senior (completing their eligibility) for their athletic success during their Panther career and most recent academic year.  A list of finalists is announced each April and then voted on following the conclusion of the athletic year.
 
Hollins, from Yazoo City, Miss., was an electric playmaker at wide receiver for the Panthers as a senior as he ranked in the top 15 in the nation in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches.  Hollins finished 21st in voting for this year’s Walter Payton Award as he was a selection on multiple FCS All-American teams.  He would finish the year with 80 catches for 1,102 yards and 16 touchdowns.  He opened the season with a three touchdown performance against SEC member Arkansas.  During the season Hollins had five games with multiple touchdown catches and five 100-yard receiving games.  He was a first-team All-OVC selection after earning All-OVC Newcomer team honors as a junior after transferring from junior college.  During his two year Panther career Hollins finished with 23 touchdowns to rank seventh all-time at EIU. He added 127 career receptions and 1,796 career yards.   Following his EIU career Hollins was a free agent signee by the Minnesota Vikings and is currently in camp with the NFL team.    
 
Hollins was one of five finalists this year for the EIU Male Senior Athlete of the Year Award.  He was joined on the list by Spenser Dexter from baseball, Jimmy Govern from baseball, Nick Harkins from swimming and Brandan Lane from track.  The EIU Female Senior Athlete of the Year will be announced on June 14.