Funeral arrangement’s have been announced for the former Oakland High School Football player who most recently played for Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN.

18-Year-old Jeremiah Dujuan Collins, also known as J2, was killed in an auto accident this past Friday night in Nashville. Collins was driving on Briley Parkway West when he lost control at the I-24 to Clarksville exit.

Collins, who previously lived in Lascassas while at Oakland High School, was transported to Skyline Medical Center after the accident. There, he was pronounced deceased this past Friday night. According to Metro Police, there were no signs of impairment at the scene and speed likely played a factor in the single vehicle crash.

The former Rutherford County resident was a freshman at Austin Peay State University where he played football for The Governors. Head football coach Scotty Walden said,  "We are all devastated and heartbroken by the loss of Jeremiah Collins." Walden went on to state, "Jeremiah was an outstanding young man who brought an incredible attitude and energy every day. We grieve with the Collins family for their tragic loss and lift them up in prayer.”

Collins graduated from Oakland High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, last spring. Collins was a member of the Patriots' 2022 TSSAA 6A State Championship team, playing defensive back, wide receiver, and returning kicks.

The young man is survived by his father Melvin Collins, along with mother and family Regina Saulsberry, Dondi Santander, Ken Cartwright, brothers Xavier Collins, Erick Lindsay, James Monroe, Jr., Jayshawn Monroe; sisters, Darias Collins, Nicole Santander, and Nicari Polk; step father, James Monroe, Sr; grandparents, Melvin Collins, Sr., Deborah Wilson and her husband David, and Reginal Watkins; and a host of other family and friends.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Woodfin Memorial Chapel. Scroll down for details.

Obituary - Jeremiah Dujuan Collins also known as J2, age 18, passed away Friday, July 21, 2023. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Cheryl Polk.

He is survived by his father, Melvin D. Collins; mother, Regina Saulsberry; Dondi Santander; Ken Cartwright; brothers, Xavier Collins, Erick Lindsay, James Monroe, Jr., Jayshawn Monroe; sisters, Darias Collins, Nicole Santander, and Nicari Polk; step father, James Monroe, Sr; grandparents, Melvin Collins, Sr., Deborah Wilson and her husband David, and Reginal Watkins; and a host of other family and friends.

Jeremiah was a 2023 graduate of Oakland High School. He was a star football player for Male High School in Louisville, KY and Oakland High School in Murfreesboro, TN. Jeremiah became the number one defensive back from regions 4-6A football. He ranked 14th in the state of Tennessee and was a part of an Oakland state championship team. After graduation, Jeremiah went on to further his football career with Austin Peay State University. 

Though football was his main love, Jeremiah also enjoyed art and took pride in his school, earning a 3.70 GPA his senior year. He was a wonderful student and excelled at everything he did in the classroom, on the football field, and in life. He loved music, dancing, gaming, and helping others. Jeremiah was a ray of sunshine to everyone he met and truly the life of the party. His smile, energy, and all the love he had for others will be missed by all who knew him.

Visitation with the family will be Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at Woodfin Memorial Chapel from 2:00-6:00 PM. Funeral service will follow at 6:00 PM. Xavier Collins, Quincy Jackson, Carlos Wade, Bronson Crisp, Eric Taylor, Terell Franklin, CJ Puckett, Kameron Floyd, Kade Hewitt, and Bryson Gaiter will serve as pallbearers. A service and graveside will also be held for his family in Louisville, Kentucky.

Memorial donations may be made to the Oakland High School Football program or the Austin Peay State University Football program.

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