Alex Collins to Arkansas: Razorbacks Land 4-Star RB Recruit

It looks like Arkansas has gained its newest big-time recruit in Alex Collins, who made the announcement on Fox Sports South, according to Dieter Kurtenbach of the Sun Sentinel. 

The South Plantation High star's ascent is the classic story of a late-bloomer. Despite not playing a minute of organized football until his junior year, he burst onto the scene and became one of the best running back recruits in the entire nation.

According to 247Sports' composite rankings, Collins is a 4-star recruit, the No. 5 all-purpose back and the No. 39 overall prospect in the 2013 class. He is also pegged as the 10th-best recruit coming out of Florida this year.

With a scintillating combination of speed and vision, Collins doesn't show his lack of experience when toting the rock. In addition to his 4.45-second 40-time, he is a smart runner who can break away at any moment, leaving Miami giddy when the Hurricanes thought he would land there earlier this year. 

However, he decommitted back in November and reopened the chase for his services, where Florida State and Florida emerged as possible favorites. 

At 5'11" and 205 pounds, Collins could stand to add some bulk to his frame, and his lack of experience becomes a factor in the finer points of the game—especially in coverage reads and pass blocking.  

Nevertheless, Collins should have time to develop his skills and body for the rigors of the SEC. He's not coming into the school expecting to ascend to stardom from the moment he steps on campus.

If he's able to develop into more of a complete running back, Collins should have no problem contributing to the cause during his freshman campaign. Either way, his big-play ability should leave schools across the nation nervous going forward.

Collins has all the tools to become a star. Now it's just time to hone them and live up to his well-deserved hype. 

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