Alex Collins

collins was an ideal fit for bielema's blueprint on offense with his light feet to make sharp cuts, but also his physical nature to welcome contact, finish forward and do most of his damage between the tackles. collins is a physical runner, but needs to improve his pad level and ball security to be more reliable at the next level.

Although he won't consistently create on his own, Collins has an excellent blend of quickness, patience and power to get what is blocked for him and contribute as an NFL rookie.

strengths

Solidly built and runs stronger than he is due to determination. Hungry runner and doesn't waste time getting north-south. Won't avoid contact and barrels into tacklers, driving his legs to finish. Quick, decisive cuts, showing patience and burst.

will lower his pads to finish, but tends to run tall at times. needs to do a better job at initial contact to keep his feet and break more tackles. doesn't have explosive twitch to immediately separate from defenders in pursuit - can be caught from behind.

Average decision-making and tends to think too much, making one too many moves at times or not enough on other runs. Needs to improve his technique in pass protection and square to his target instead of launching his shoulder.

ball security is a concern, always fighting for more yardage, but not always covering up consistently - 16 career fumbles (called out by arkansas head coach bret bielema midway through the 2015 season due to his fumbling issues).

IN OUR VIEW

developed into a team-leader and takes well to coaching. highly productive as both a complementary and feature back, averaging 5.7 yards rushing over his career with 36 rushing touchdowns in 14 starts - 17 career 100-yard performances. leaves arkansas no. 2 on the school's all-time rushing yards list, behind only darren mcfadden.

WEAKNESSES

resets his vision well on the move to pick his way through the heart of a defense. quickly reaches his top speed, accelerating well at the second level to take it the distance.

Reliable as a pass-catcher and more than just a screen target, working hard to adjust his route and give his quarterback an open target. Usually does just enough in pass protection with vision and toughness to read pressures and give up his body.

Collins was ranked as the No. 1 running back in the country, No. 5 prospect in Florida and No. 17 overall in the nation by 247Sports.com

he was tabbed as the No. 3 running back in the nation by Scout.com and as the No. 20 overall prospect in Florida and No. 13 running back in the country by Rivals.com

he rushed for 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior despite missing three games due to injury, helping South Plantation to nine wins, the district title and a berth in the 8A state playoffs

following his senior season, he was selected to play in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl, where he was teammates with fellow UA signee Austin Allen

he was named Broward County Player of the Year as a junior after rushing for 1,786 yards and 28 touchdowns as the Paladins earned seven victories and qualified for the state playoffs

he was coached at South Plantation by Doug Gatewood

Collins also played lacrosse and ran the third leg on South Plantation’s state-champion 4x100 relay, leading to him being named the 2013 Broward County Male Athlete of the Year

he picked Arkansas over Miami, Florida State, Florida and Wisconsin.

Born Aug. 26, 1994, he is the son of Johnny Collins, Jr., and Andrea McDonald.

2015