Star Florida running back signs (finally) with the Razorbacks

Alex Collins, the star high school football from Florida whose mother blocked on Wednesday (Feb. 6) his ability to sign with the Arkansas Razorbacks, has finally signed a letter of intent to play under Head Hog Coach Bret Bielema.

Collins’ father signed the document for his. However, the mother, has threatened legal action to block his decision to play for the Razorbacks. According to reports, the mother wants her son to play closer to their home in south Florida.

Collins, ranked as the No. 1 running back in the country by 247Sports.com, became the 23rd member of Bielema’s first signing class at Arkansas on Thursday.

“Alex is a great addition to this class,” Bielema said in a statement released Thursday. “He is an upstanding young man who has impressed us throughout our time getting to know him, and he focused on making a decision that was the best for him athletically, academically and socially. He has high character and is a student-athlete we are thrilled to bring into our family. He made it clear to us that he truly wanted to be a Razorback, which is what we want from everyone we sign.”

In the statement, Bielema said Collins helps the staff reach a goal of adding two quality running backs to better ensure depth at the position. He also said the successful recruitment of Collins helps future Razorback recruiting in South Florida.

“We have coaches on our staff with tremendous relationships in South Florida that have been crucial for us in this class, and we will continue to establish Arkansas as a choice for top student-athletes from that area. I am looking forward to having this class become part of our family and watching them grow over the next several years,” Bielema explained.

Following are details on Collins.
• RB, 5-11, 207, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (South Plantation High School)

• 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.

• Collins 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 Simper 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.

• Collins picked Arkansas over Miami, Florida State, Florida and Wisconsin.