Alex Collins called a Thursday night press conference, in Atlanta, despite being a Miami native, which should’ve been a sign.
In the end Collins chose Arkansas over ‘The U’. The immediate need at running back, combined with the relationship formed with Razorbacks coaches proved to outweigh staying home to play in front of family and friends.
When watching the decision live on Fox Sports and listening to Collins, it seemed leaving Broward County and seeing something new really struck a chord with the South Florida native. Some kids have that little something that makes them want to stay home, while others have the itch to go away.
For those who watched the decision live, there was a spark when Collins talked about seeing something new.
Collins originally committed to Miami, but opened up the recruiting process in December. Florida State and Wisconsin became co-leaders, but he Badgers were dropped in favor of the Razorbacks when Bret Bielema left Madison for Fayetteville.
Committed to ‘The U’ before taking any trips is like marrying the first girl you date. For some folks, that works out just fine, but others have the itch to see what’s behind Door #2.
With Signing Day two days out, Miami looks to close strong. Five-star back Augustus Edwards is still on the table, deciding between the Hurricanes and Seminoles, but it’s believed that Florida State has the slight edge for the New York-bred back.
Knee-jerk reaction from this fan base will most-likely be to smack-talk Collins — which Arkansas fans would’ve done had he declared Miami. Make no bones about it.
Still, show some class, U Family. Signing Day is less than forty-eight hours away. Recruits and their parents are watching. Rise above. One got away, but come Wednesday a handful of new Canes will join the program — some that might not have been expected to get on board.
So it goes.
Good luck, AC.