Unconquered

South Plantation (FL) High School running back Alex Collins was an early commitment to the University of Miami having pledged at a junior day event back in March. Collins however, backed off that pledge in November, re-opening his recruitment to such suitors as Wisconsin, Florida State, and Florida while still considering the Hurricanes. Collins’ stock as a recruit has seen a steady rise after leading Broward County in rushing as a 178 pound junior and being able to pack on weight and retain his athleticism and speed. Eventually growing into a heavily coveted 200 plus pound 5 star all-purpose back in his senior year.

Physically, Collins is a well-proportioned athlete with a good amount of bulk up-top and a thick lower half. Once he gets into a college level strength program he should eventually top out in the area of 215-218 pounds.

Assessment of current skill set

Collins doesn't use a lot of wasted movement in the backfield. He possesses good but not great vertical burst but gets downhill quickly due to his decisiveness as a runner. He is a scheme versatile back with the frame and strength to operate in a power running system, but with the agility to thrive running behind a zone blocking scheme as well. He runs with great velocity but would like to see him maintain a lower pad level through contact in order to maximize yardage on interior runs. Gets a bit high in traffic at times and loses leverage pushing the pile.

He’s still developing that instinctive feel in between the tackles and has a tendency to bounce too many runs outside. He generates yards after contact with his leg drive but would also like to see him improve at picking up the “hidden” yards in more compressed areas. As a receiver Collins has soft hands. His deft footwork will be an even greater asset once it’s fully harnessed. This would be a very useful asset in the passing game considering he has the short area quickness to run a more expansive route tree than most running backs. He has plus level size, yet is as light on his feet as a 175 pound scat back.

As well rounded as he is, Collins' most impressive trait might be his agility. He is consistently able to stick his foot in the ground and execute an immediate change of direction, regardless of his body positioning at the time he makes the cut. He makes defenses pay for losing gap integrity by exhibiting the ability to cut on a dime and bursting through back side lanes at top speed. His second cut is often being more explosive than the initial. This is especially true when it’s more of the angular variety. When employed, this trait compromises the pursuit angles of oncoming defenders often leading to big runs. Collins may not register as a true ‘burner ‘but is fast enough to win footraces out in open space.

He is a truly creative runner who can make sudden lateral cuts without losing any speed. At the second level Collins’ vision and short area quickness allow him to both find and create lanes that other backs simply cannot. Has almost an “escape artist” type of quality to his game.

Transition to college

Collins has the combination of size and skill-set to operate as the bell cow within a run oriented offense or an all-purpose type who gets 20 or more overall touches as the lead guy in a rotation. Health permitting he possesses All Conference and eventual All American potential.

Player comparison

Marshawn Lynch Oakland Technical High School C/O 2004