Stony Brook football: Elmont duo reuniting on Long Island

For years at Elmont High School, the offensive line relied on a specific connection: center Malachi Collins snapping the ball to quarterback Aiden Barnes. That partnership has now moved to the Division I level. Both players are freshmen at Stony Brook University, and their bond has followed them to the Seawolves roster.

Collins, wearing No. 69, stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 300 pounds. He played on both the offensive and defensive lines at Elmont but is now focused exclusively on offense. Barnes, wearing No. 40, has shifted his role. While he played both ways at Elmont, he now plays safety full time. His high school accolades include All-State, All-Region, and All-County honors, as well as a selection to the Nassau Gridiron Top 50. In the 2024 season, the junior quarterback threw for 1,630 yards and 15 touchdowns.

The transition to college football required adjustment, particularly during fall camp. Collins described the period as the most difficult part of the year, noting that the routine involved football from morning until night. He spent the time learning the playbook, drills, and schemes, seeking guidance from upperclassmen. Barnes focused on development, stating that he has worked to keep his head down. Both players attribute their current work ethic to their time at Elmont, citing grit, competitive spirit, and toughness as defining traits.

Head coach Billy Cosh leads the program in his third season. He won 14 games in his first two years, the highest total for a Stony Brook head coach over that span. Collins and Barnes praised Cosh for his energetic and passionate approach. Collins noted that Cosh knows every player's name and keeps his office door open. He described the coach as brutally honest, someone who does not sugarcoat expectations. Barnes agreed, calling it a blessing to be coached by someone who pushes the players.

Beyond the gridiron, the two freshmen share academic interests and long-term goals. Collins is studying accounting, while Barnes plans to pursue a business degree in either accounting or finance. Both aim to play professional football after college. They chose to remain on Long Island for their college careers. Barnes said that if he reaches the NFL, it would demonstrate to younger Long Island athletes that they can succeed in the sport if they put in the work.

Collins views football as a way to manage stress and build a future. He said the game allows him to leave anger or stress at the field and provides a path to national television. To improve, he focuses on getting bigger, faster, and stronger in the weight room. He advises taking the season one day at a time, improving one drill or technique at a time. The next step for both players is the upcoming game against a rival in the America East Conference.