Collins picks Arkansas
There's a first time for everything, and new Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema gave the Razorbacks a first to remember Monday night.
Arkansas has never had any luck pulling the top players in Florida away from the Gators, Seminoles and Hurricanes, but that changed when four-star running back Alex Collins chose the Hogs in front of a national television audience Monday at around 9:30 p.m. central.
"This is what I've been waiting for," Collins said on Fox Sports. "I've been wanting to get this off my chest for a while now. I would like to continue my athletic and academic career at...ahhh [deep breath] the University of Arkansas."
Collins, 5-11, 207, 4.4, had narrowed his list to Arkansas, Wisconsin, Florida, Florida State and Miami after visiting all five schools since last October, but most suspect his final decision came down to the Razorbacks and the Canes.
"I like the fact that they run the ball," Collins told Fox Sports. "I personally know the coaches. I've been recruited by them for two years now, so I think I can trust them. I think they can get me to where I want to be on the next level academically and athletically."
The Razorbacks received Collins' last official visit on January 25. He was recruited by Arkansas defensive line coach Charlie Partridge and running backs coach Joel Thomas. Partridge was also Collins' lead recruiter at Wisconsin, which had the four-star on campus for an official visit last October.
Collins' decision was live for all coaching staffs involved. Bielema tweeted the following after the announcement was made:
"Wooooo pig sooooie! Great night to be a Razorback!"
HawgSports.com will have much more on Collins throughout tonight and tomorrow.