Mack Hollins

Early life

Hollins attended Robert Frost Middle School in Rockville, Maryland, and later Thomas S. Wootton High School. After not receiving any scholarship offers out of high school, Hollins attended Fork Union Military Academy in Fork Union, Virginia, where he played with Cardale Jones. Hollins received several offers, including a walk-on opportunity at the University of North Carolina contingent upon being accepted by the school. He joined the team in 2012.

College career

As a freshman in 2013, Hollins was named special teams captain after appearing in all 13 games. He played on most special teams and as a reserve wide receiver. Hollins finished the regular season with nine tackles and recovered a fumble against Duke.

As a sophomore in 2014, Hollins earned honorable mention All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) accolades after finishing with 35 catches for a team-high 613 yards. He also had a team-best eight receiving touchdowns. As one of the teams best special teams players, Hollins also had seven tackles and recovered an onside kick. He earned ACC Receiver of the Week honors after catching two passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns against Virginia. Both touchdowns were over 50 yards (57 and 63), making Hollins the first Tar Heel to have two touchdown receptions of 50+ yards since Hakeem Nicks in 2008. He reeled in a 91-yard touchdown pass in a win over San Diego State University. The 91-yard scoring play with quarterback Marquise Williams was the longest play by UNC in Kenan Stadium history and third-longest play in school history.

As a junior in 2015, Hollins led all NCAA major college players with an average of 24.8 yards per reception. He caught at least one pass in all 13 games and found the end zone in seven different contests, including five of UNC's six wins Hollins earned up his second ACC Receiver of the Week honor after catching five balls for 165 yards and a 74-yard touchdown in the win over Duke. Hollins became the first Tar Heel to catch three touchdowns since 2011 when he tallied three scores against Wake Forest. His first ACC Receiver of the Week honors of the year came after catching three passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Delaware.

Hollins graduated from UNC with a degree in exercise and sport science.

Personal life

Hollins has become well-known among fans and teammates for his eccentric personality, game day outfits, and habits, which include walking around barefoot as much as possible, eating without utensils, and avoiding house cats, even inspiring several teammates to try his habits. He has gained the nickname "Tarzan" as a result. Hollins rarely drinks water due to his belief that "water's a scam," and he primarily drinks watermelon juice. Hollins' diet mainly consists of raw meat, raw milk and fruit, and he claims to have not eaten any vegetables since 2022.

Hollins is a longtime volunteer for Special Olympics and also serves as a Global Ambassador for the organization. Hollins also has an active TikTok account, which he focuses on "life hacks" and home improvement ideas.