Elijah Collins (born August 1, 2000) is an American professional football running back who is a free agent. He played college football for the Michigan State Spartans and for the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born: | August 1, 2000 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Height: | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight: | 212 lb (96 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy (Detroit, Michigan) |
| College: | Michigan State (2018–2022) Oklahoma State (2023) |
| Position: | Running back |
| Undrafted: | 2024 |
| Career history | |
| * Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Early life and high school
editCollins attended high school at the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy. In his junior season, Collins rushed for 721 yards while also hauling in 19 receptions for 306 yards and totaling 19 touchdowns.[1] Coming out of high school, Collins was rated as a three star recruit where he committed to play college football for the Michigan State Spartans.[2][3]
College career
editMichigan State
editIn Collins' first collegiate season in 2018, he played in three games rushing twice for eight yards as he used the season to redshirt.[4] In week one of the 2019 season, Collins would get his first opportunity in game rushing eight times for 17 yards in a win over Tulsa.[5] In week two, Collins got his first career start where he rushed 17 times for 192 yards in a win over Western Michigan.[6] Collins finished his breakout 2019 season rushing 222 times for 988 yards and five touchdowns.[7] Coming off his strong season in 2019, Collins role heavily decreased as he finished the 2020 season with just 41 carries for 90 yards.[8] During the 2021 season, Collins missed five games due to an injury and rushed just 18 times for 102 yards.[9] In week five of the 2022 season, Collins rushed for a team high 36 yard and a touchdown versus Maryland.[10] Collins finished the 2022 season, rushing for 318 yards and six touchdowns on 70 carries, while also hauling in 14 receptions for 93 yards.[11] After the conclusion of the 2022 season, Collins decided to enter his name into the NCAA transfer portal.[12][13]
Oklahoma State
editCollins decided to transfer to play for the Oklahoma State Cowboys.[14][15] In Collins lone season with the Cowboys he rushed just 30 times for 142 yards and two touchdowns.[16]
Professional career
edit| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand span | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | 20-yard split | 20-yard shuttle | Three-cone drill | Vertical jump | Broad jump | Bench press | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
212 lb (96 kg) |
31+3⁄8 in (0.80 m) |
9+7⁄8 in (0.25 m) |
4.54 s | 1.62 s | 2.66 s | 4.25 s | 7.10 s | 38 in (0.97 m) |
10 ft 5 in (3.18 m) |
16 reps | |
| All values from Pro Day[17] | ||||||||||||
After not being selected in the 2024 NFL draft, Collins signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent.[18][19] He was waived by the Bengals during final roster cuts on August 27, 2024.[20]
References
edit- ^ Garcia, Tony (July 11, 2017). "Michigan State target Elijah Collins grew freaky fast, was recruited just as quickly". MLive.com. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
- ^ Nelsen, Chris (September 29, 2017). "Michigan State recruiting: U-D Jesuit's Elijah Collins '100% committed'". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
- ^ "Newest Michigan State football commitment Elijah Collins is sold on Mark Dantonio". MLive.com. September 29, 2017. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
- ^ Wenzel, Matt (September 8, 2019). "Michigan State freshman RB Elijah Collins flirts with program history in breakout performance". MLive.com. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
- ^ Charboneau, Matt (September 10, 2019). "Former U-D Jesuit standout Elijah Collins cements role as Michigan State's go-to back". The Detroit News. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
- ^ Solari, Chris (September 8, 2019). "Michigan State football may have found a big-play weapon in Elijah Collins". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
- ^ McVeigh, Griffin (January 4, 2023). "Michigan State running back Elijah Collins enters NCAA transfer portal". On3.com. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
- ^ Wenzel, Matt (November 17, 2022). "Michigan State's Elijah Collins has eligibility left, undecided on future". MLive.com. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
- ^ Wenzel, Matt (October 6, 2022). "Elijah Collins remained loyal to Michigan State and is earning more opportunities". MLive.com. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
- ^ Black, Ryan (December 5, 2022). "When many expected him to leave, Elijah Collins stuck it out at Michigan State. Now his persistence is paying off". Lansing State Journal. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
- ^ Solari, Chris (January 4, 2023). "Michigan State football RB Elijah Collins enters transfer portal after 5 years". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
- ^ Charboneau, Matt (January 4, 2023). "Michigan State RB Elijah Collins enters transfer portal". The Detroit News. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
- ^ Wenzel, Matt (January 4, 2023). "Michigan State reserve running back enters the transfer portal". MLive.com. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
- ^ Wright, Scott (May 28, 2023). "How is Michigan State transfer RB Elijah Collins blending in with Oklahoma State football?". The Oklahoman. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
- ^ Ruhl, Dean (June 13, 2023). "As transfer RB Elijah Collins attempts to carve out his role, experience is key: 'It's an advantage for him'". Tulsa World. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
- ^ Gregory, Dekota (April 28, 2024). "Former Oklahoma State Running Back Elijah Collins Signs with Bengals as Undrafted Free Agent". Pistols Firing. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
- ^ "2024 NFL Draft Scout Elijah Collins College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
- ^ "Bengals Sign 14 College Free Agents". Bengals.com. May 10, 2024.
- ^ Champion, Aidan (April 30, 2024). "Former Michigan State RB Elijah Collins is one of four Spartans signed by Bengals". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
- ^ "Bengals Reduce Final Roster To 53 Players". Bengals.com. August 27, 2024.