Where Will Alex Collins Rank in Arkansas Razorbacks History?

With (probably) only 1 game left in his career as an Arkansas Razorback, Alex Collins has a chance to break even more rushing records. The Junior from Fort Lauderdale, Florida has become a fan favorite in his time in Fayetteville. With his trademark dreadlocks, winning smile, and natural charisma, the running back is one of the faces of the program.

Ever since his commitment to Arkansas, Collins has found a way to be in the public’s eye. Remember when Alex’s mom kinda sorta stole his LOI to Arkansas or whatever? I’m not sure if I ever heard any real explanation for that. It didn’t matter, because Collins wore a damn camo suit to sign with Arkansas. I loved him from the moment I saw him in that suit.

Alex may have run afoul of head coach Bret Bielema’s somewhat strict standards for his players a few times, but he’s never been in any real trouble. He plays as hard as any player in the conference, and he was asked to to do more this year than was fair. Collins had to carry the load for an offense that was built around 2 running backs. I, along with many other people, were not sure if the kid was ready for that challenge. The physical toll that being a featured back takes in the SEC is brutal, and Collins had always been more of a “finesse” back. Many people were wondering if Alex would be able to deliver in 2015.

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Not only did the young man deliver, but he showed up in under 30 minutes and with complimentary breadsticks. While Derrick Henry and Leonard Fournette have been the focal points for the professional pundits on TV, Alex Collins has gone under the radar in his outstanding 2015 season.

Sep 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks running back Alex Collins (3) runs with the ball against the Texas A&M Aggies at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Collins is 3rd in the SEC in yards, 2nd in touchdowns, and 3rd in yards per game. He has joined Darren McFadden and Herschel Walker as only the 3rd SEC player to rush for over 1000 yards in their first 3 seasons. He’s 11th in the nation in total rushing yards and tied for 5th in rushing touchdowns. His career at Arkansas has been outstanding when compared to the rest of the nation. If the Hogs had won more games, then Collins might have become more well known across the nation.

He’s pretty well known in Arkansas, though, and for good reason. During his 3 seasons at Arkansas, Collins has racked up 3,518 yards rushing. That places him 3rd all time in career rushing yards for the Razorbacks, behind Darren McFadden and Ben Cowins. However, Collins still has at least 1 game left, and he only needs 52 more yards to pass Cowins for 2nd all time behind DMAC. Since Alex is averaging over 100 yards a game, it’s a safe bet to say that he’ll pass Cowins, and become the 2nd leading rusher in Arkansas Razorbacks history.

Alex Collins should be remembered as one of the greatest to ever put on a Razorback helmet. From day 1, he came onto campus and delivered on the promise that a highly ranked recruit is supposed to. Combine that with his winning personality and charm, and you’ve got yourself a true Arkansas legend. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see Alex come back to the state and find work in sports media, like so many other former Hogs have done.

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I also wouldn’t be surprised to see this versatile and dynamic running back become a featured player on an NFL team next year. The only thing that will truly surprise me is if he remains in Fayetteville for 2016. But what a welcomed surprise that would be.

Congratulations to Alex on an amazing 2015 season. We can’t wait to see where he ends up next. Woo Pig.

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