American football player (born 2000)
American football player
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 .
Early life and high school
Collins 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
Michigan State
In 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
Collins 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
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
^ 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.
External links