by Bill Seals
The pack of suitors for a three-star running back in the state of Michigan continues to get larger, but Iowa State remains in good standing because it was one of the first to extend an offer.
University of Detroit Jesuit High junior Elijah Collins said he continues to hear from the Cyclone coaching staff, as his offer list has grown to include Power-5 programs Iowa, Wisconsin, Boston College, Michigan State, Syracuse, Minnesota and Missouri.
“Iowa State was one of my very first offers, so it’s kind of personal for me,” said Collins. “They were one of the first programs to notice how talented and how hard I’ve been working over the years. It holds a very special spot. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the program. They want me to come down there and visit them. They like me a lot.
“I’m hearing from the entire coaching staff. I’ve been receiving letters from almost every staff member every week. It means that they really want me and are doing the best they can to recruit me. I’ve been told that I’m one of the top running backs they want in this class.”
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Collins, who totaled 1,027 rushing and receiving yards and 19 touchdowns as a junior, says the Cyclones covet his versatility when in the offensive backfield.
“Iowa State really likes my size, speed for my size and my ability to make plays in the open field. I’m able to break tackles and can out-run people with my speed. I look forward to checking out their offense even more to see how I fit in. The coaches have said I have all the things that they need to fit perfect in the offense.”
Since picking up the I-State offer, Collins has done his research and says he likes what he’s seen.
“I’ve had time to sit down and look through information on Iowa State,” Collins said. “It’s a great place and I think I could fit well there. They’re one of the top teams in the Big 12. They have a new coaching staff that’s mostly from Toledo, so they’re from the area that I was raised in and know where I’m coming from.”
As is the case with every highly-regarded recruit on their list, the Cyclone coaching staff would now like to get Collins on campus for an unofficial visit. Collins said he is working on making that happen.
“I’m trying to figure out with my coach and parents what schools I want to visit,” Collins said. “Hopefully I can get down to Iowa State, because they’ve been showing a lot of love and I’d like to show some of that love back.”
Collins said he claims no favorites and isn’t planning on releasing a list of top schools anytime soon.
The pack of suitors for a three-star running back in the state of Michigan continues to get larger, but Iowa State remains in good standing because it was one of the first to extend an offer.
University of Detroit Jesuit High junior Elijah Collins said he continues to hear from the Cyclone coaching staff, as his offer list has grown to include Power-5 programs Iowa, Wisconsin, Boston College, Michigan State, Syracuse, Minnesota and Missouri.
“Iowa State was one of my very first offers, so it’s kind of personal for me,” said Collins. “They were one of the first programs to notice how talented and how hard I’ve been working over the years. It holds a very special spot. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the program. They want me to come down there and visit them. They like me a lot.
“I’m hearing from the entire coaching staff. I’ve been receiving letters from almost every staff member every week. It means that they really want me and are doing the best they can to recruit me. I’ve been told that I’m one of the top running backs they want in this class.”
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Collins, who totaled 1,027 rushing and receiving yards and 19 touchdowns as a junior, says the Cyclones covet his versatility when in the offensive backfield.
“Iowa State really likes my size, speed for my size and my ability to make plays in the open field. I’m able to break tackles and can out-run people with my speed. I look forward to checking out their offense even more to see how I fit in. The coaches have said I have all the things that they need to fit perfect in the offense.”
Since picking up the I-State offer, Collins has done his research and says he likes what he’s seen.
“I’ve had time to sit down and look through information on Iowa State,” Collins said. “It’s a great place and I think I could fit well there. They’re one of the top teams in the Big 12. They have a new coaching staff that’s mostly from Toledo, so they’re from the area that I was raised in and know where I’m coming from.”
As is the case with every highly-regarded recruit on their list, the Cyclone coaching staff would now like to get Collins on campus for an unofficial visit. Collins said he is working on making that happen.
“I’m trying to figure out with my coach and parents what schools I want to visit,” Collins said. “Hopefully I can get down to Iowa State, because they’ve been showing a lot of love and I’d like to show some of that love back.”
Collins said he claims no favorites and isn’t planning on releasing a list of top schools anytime soon.
