Todd Kollar began his career as a highly touted defensive lineman, but he made his name with the program as one of the best offensive tackles in school history.
Kollar moved from the defensive line to offense where he started all 26 games at tackle his final two seasons. In 1997, he helped the Penguins win a National Championship and was tabbed an All American for his efforts.
As a senior, he started all 15 games and served as a team captain for the 13-2 Guins.
While not allowing a sack for the entire campaign, he helped the offense average 32.7 points and 317.4 yards a contest. He was named a Walter Camp All American and was a first team pick by American Football Quarterly. He was also a second team Associated Press All American and a third team Sports Network All American.
A first team All Gateway Conference selection, he was the YSU offensive lineman of the game four times.
Following his gridiron career he participated in NFL Draft combine. He signed a free agent contract with the Buffalo Bills in 1998 and the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1999. A talented athlete, he established a school and position record with a 650 pound squat.
Recently, he was named one of the top 25 players in the history of Stambaugh Stadium.
As a junior, he made a successful move to the offensive line starting all 11 games for the 8-3 Penguins. YSU had 3503 yards of total offense, including 2144 on the ground.
In 1994 and 1995, Kollar played on the defensive line for the Penguins.
As a sophomore in 1995, he recorded 17 total tackles, including two for losses and was credited with four pass breakups.
In 1994, as a true freshman he played on the National Championship squad. He registered dive total tackles, including a sack and a forced fumble. The Penguins rolled through the season posting a 14-0-1 mark claiming a national title.
Kollar came to YSU after a standout career at South Range High School. As a senior, he was a first team All Ohio Defensive Lineman and was the Northeast Ohio Defensive Player of the year in 1993. He was also a two time first team all league, all county and all area selection. Also, he received the Entriken Award for top track and field athlete.
He was inducted into South Range Athletics Hall of Fame in 1999.
Kollar graduated from YSU with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He works as a regional sales manager for General Extrusions Inc.
Todd and his wife, Holly, and their infant son Jeffery reside in Poland.
