Paxton Lynch, Alex Collins and More: Season Review

Nov 21, 2015; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Alex Collins (3) rushes against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mississippi State defeated Arkansas 51-50. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Collins, RB Arkansas

Alex Collins has been a steady name in the SEC throughout the last couple years. However some guys play on better teams, have incredible physical traits or their numbers are outrageous when you check the stat sheet. I liked Collins because he’s a guy who isn’t going to blow you away in any of those categories but he’s a guy who shows up every week and gets the job done. In fact only behind Heisman hopeful Derrick Henry and Heisman snub Leonard Fournette, Alex Collins ranks 3rd in the SEC in both rushing yards and touchdowns. He’s the type of running back that isn’t going to run anything over a 4.5 forty time, but when he puts his head down he’ll make sure to grab four to five yards.

In the article I wrote on him earlier in the season I made comparisons to Marion Barber, Chris Ivory and Marshawn Lynch. It’s not a dreadlocks comparison more than it is a gritty-hard-nosed-running-style comparison although there seems to be a trend when it comes to dreadlocks and power backs (I.E. Steven Jackson & LeGarrette Blount). In every game that the Razorbacks won this season Collins contributed at least 100 yards and averaged 6.5 yards per carry in those games.

I questioned his ability as a receiver when I first wrote about him but he’s quieted some of those thoughts as he had 13 receptions on the year for 95 yards bringing his career total to 27 catches for 167 yards. Those aren’t great numbers by any means but can he be a 3 down back in the NFL? Yes.

For most prospects the combine can make or break them but Collins is the true definition of a football player by his style of play. While a slow 40 time could impact a few coaches decisions I don’t expect him to slip past the 3rd or 4th round at the latest. Unless you’re a draft analyst or an SEC enthusiast Alex Collins isn’t going to come up in conversation, in fact I’ve been in multiple talks in which people completely skip over him as a running back prospect simply because he hasn’t received enough publicity. With that many people Have NOT Heard of Alex Collins, but they should and they will.

Next: C.J. Prosise