Miami Football: 'Canes Fans Won't Even Notice Alex Collins' Absence

It became official on Monday night that highly recruited running back Alex Collins has shunned Miami and committed to the Arkansas Razorbacks.

The 5-star recruit out of Plantation, Fla. (via scout.com) is a very quick and versatile running back who plays much bigger than his 5'11", 200-pound frame. He has great top speed and is a very quick and shifty back.

Although the Hurricanes could have certainly used his services, I am predicting that Miami won't even miss him.

The Hurricanes already have one of the best running backs in the country in Duke Johnson, and as long as he stays healthy the backup won't get that many touches anyway.

Plus, the current backups on the roster are capable of providing rest for Duke.

Eduardo Clements has played in 31 games for Miami and has rushed the ball 39 times for 184 yards (4.7 yards per carry) and three touchdowns. He is also a quick running back much like Collins is.

Like Collins, Clements plays much bigger than he actually is (5'9", 195 pounds) and can provide a little bit of a change of pace to Duke.

Another player who could fill in as a legitimate backup is Dallas Crawford. The sophomore has carried the ball just six times (for 23 yards) at Miami but is a very shifty and quick running back.

Crawford won't be a change of pace to Duke, but is a pure athlete that has the ability to take it the house every time he touches the ball.

No matter what way you look at it, the Hurricanes will be OK without having Collins in the backfield—no matter how heartbroken you are about his decision.