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Analysis of Alex Collins

If you haven't heard, South Plantation (FL) running back Alex Collins just committed to Bret Bielema and the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Collins is the highest rated running back on 247sports.com. He is also a five star running back according to Scout.

So, needless to say this is a pretty huge get for Bret Bielema in a very short recruiting cycle, after the Razorbacks looked like they weren't going to land local RB Altee Tenpenny. It would have made more sense for Bielema to land a running back of Collins' caliber in his first recruiting cycle (the 2014 class), but that he's done it so soon is quite impressive.

If you watch his highlight tape, Collins looks like a hybrid of Wisconsin's Montee Ball and Michigan's Denard Robinson. He has a similar level of speed to Robinson, and Ball's power mentality. He's not afraid to take a hit but can also juke a defender sometimes.

Various news outlets on Collins' commitment (free):

Rivals: 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.

SB Nation's Bud Elliott:

Arkansas landed five-star running back recruit Alex Collins Monday as he announced for the Razorbacks over Miami on Fox Sports South. Alex Collins is an elite Florida running back in a class filled with them. He really burst onto the scene quickly, only picking up football as a high school junior after playing basketball and lacrosse. He was tough to miss: 5'11, 207 pounds, and capable of running a 4.45 40. He quickly rose to the top of several recruiting lists, with Scout tabbing him as a five-star prospect and the No. 3 running back in the country.

Sun Sentinel: Miami Hurricanes Miss on Five Star Running Back Alex Collins:

The Razorbacks were late comers to the Collins recruitment party — it was only after Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema jumped to Arkansas that Collins began to consider the Hogs.

Sports Illustrated: Collins Spurns Gators(?) to Play for Hogs:

Collins was rumored to be recommitting to Miami, and his selection signals the continued free fall of the Hurricanes' class. Coach Al Golden may have already lost Army All-American offensive lineman Denver Kirkland after he reportedly offered Kirkland an ultimatum to commit or risk losing his scholarship offer. Now, they've lost out on one of the state's top running backs who was once committed. At Arkansas, Collins could see playing time as soon as next season. The talented back should fit well into the Hogs' run-heavy offense.

Bleacher Report on Why Collins will Thrive at Arkansas:

Shifty and elusive in the open field, Collins changes direction quickly and can make defenders miss with ease. He isn't the fastest player in the 2013 recruiting class, but he does have the ability to hit another gear once he gets behind the defense.

Overall, Collins brings the entire package to the table and he is arguably the most talented runner Bielema has ever had. Now, when you combine that with a coaching staff that has a long history of producing big time runners, Collins and the Arkansas running game are in terrific hands.

If you didn't get a chance to see Alex Collins' announcement on Fox Sports South, you can watch it here (for as long as it remains active). You can also check out reactions from Hog fans on 247sports message boards.

Congratulations to Bret Bielema and the Arkansas Razorbacks on landing Alex Collins!

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