FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - Coming out of high school as a member of the 2024 recruiting class, former 4-star and top-100 recruit Charlie Collins was expected to be an immediate contributor behind Landon Jackson and Quincy Rhodes.
Fast forward two years later and he's transitioned to a hybrid defensive end/linebacker role called the JACK poisition as a pass rusher who can also drop in coverage.
In 22 appearances, Collins has recorded 11 total tackles and one tackle for a loss with the Razorbacks. Although he initially entered the transfer portal, the 6-foot-5, 233 pound defender was sold on new coach Ryan Silverfield's vision and opted to return for another season.
Perhaps staying the course at Arkansas will pay off this fall.
Arkansas Razorbacks defensive lineman Charlie Collins during game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark. | Arkansas Communications
"Charlie's done some good things. He's flashed," Silverfield said following Sunday's scrimmage. "I think when a guy's flashed, that means they're really capable. And that's great, but I like guys that are really consistent - Charlie's done some really good things. Pleased with him. He continues to grow and buy in."
The type of buy-in at the college level is rare these days when things aren't going so well at a particual school, which makes transferring an easy decision. Staying the course and proving himself loyal to his in-state program will go a long way to becoming a fan favorite.
There aren't many original Arkansas signees who stayed the course either, including Collins' 2024 signing class.
| Signing Class |
Players Remaining With Program |
| 2022 |
0 |
| 2023 |
1 (Quincy Rhodes) |
| 2024 |
7 ( CJ Brown , KJ Jackson , Bradley Shaw , Kobe Branham, Wyatt Simmons, Braylen Russell, Charlie Collins |
| 2025 |
8 (Keiundre Johnson, Reginald Vaughn, Caleb Bell, Trent Sellers, AJ Jordan, Cam Settles, Markeylin Batton, Kash Courtney, |
There's no science to how well the Razorbacks will rebound, but with Collins' belief in the process and dedication to doing what's required during the offseason it could finally be his time to flash all season.
"I also need Charlie to keep his weight up," Silverfield continued. "If you guys see Charlie, go eat multiple times at the food truck today. He's got to keep his weight up because to play in the SEC at that JACK position, he can't be looking like one of us in here.
"We need him to put the weight on, and he's working hard at it. He's bought into our system, but he has flashed, now let's be consistent with it."
Collins has accepted that responsibility this offseason and is focused on emerging as a leader of the defense.
"A lot more peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, a lot more rice and chicken, and like you said, those late night DoorDashes," Collins joked after Sunday's scrimmage . "I've been trying to maintain.
"Cutting down for the position, being out in coverage, knowing that I've gotta go out there, guard the flats, guard the hook curls. A lot of different things that [are] required from that jack position. I was a little sluggish, so I had to cut a couple pounds."
SIlverfield made sure old habits have been drilled out of the minds of players he retained from the previous regime. Collins didn't see the field enough to miss as many assingments, but the head hog doesn't want anything lingering.
While he doesn't have as much playing experience as other third-year players, whether they've been in the program for awhile or not, this fresh start renewed his mind to always look forward.
"I feel like I had a pretty decent day," Collins said. "A lot of things I can improve on. You guys won't know it, but I had a couple MAs, a couple busted plays. There was a lot of things I can improve on myself, but overall, I feel like we did a pretty good job."
During his most extensive action in a home loss to Mississippi State last season, Collins posted quality scores against a relatively potent offense. Collins played 21 snaps that crisp fall evening and finished with a respectable 71.7 grade overall, including 70.2 in run defense, 72.2 for tackling, 64.8 pass rush snaps, and 61.9 when he dropped into coverage.
Collins has all the talent in the world to be an impact player against SEC competition, but personal growth in discipline under new defensive cooridnator Ron Roberts could pay dividends for him.
Arkansas Razorbacks offensive lineman Josiah Clemons (79) blocks defensive lineman Charlie Collins (9) during the spring game at Razorback Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Razorbacks' defense needed to provide itself depth at the JACK position because Collins can't do it all on his own. Judging by the way he talks about the room, he doesn't want to focus on his individual success anyway.
"It's been fun learning the position. It's been amazing," Collins said. "I feel like the position really fits me, my body type, and also the guys in our room. We've got five outstanding guys: myself, Jamonta Waller, Steven Soles, Donovan Whitten and Brian Alston.
"So between us five, I think we have a pretty deadly rotation. All guys have their strengths. But we all fit that jack description perfectly."
Collins may have the size, athleticism and upside to emerge as one of Arkansas' most disruptive defenders, but keeping him fresh could be just as important as maximizing his snap count.
The addition of Waller, Soles and Alston give defensive coordinator Ron Roberts different options to cycle and the emergence of former walk-on Donovan Whitten has been a pleasant surprise this offseason. If their rotation develops the way Collins believes it can, opposing tackles won't get the luxury of dealing with the same player 50 or more snaps each game.
That's the sign of a player completely bought into the new coaching staff and what's required of him and his teammates moving forward. For Collins, becoming comfortable at JACK could ultimately come down to keeping his leg fresh for him to best showcase what he is capable of doing this fall.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com/college/arkansas as Former Arkansas Football Top Recruit Is Finally Playing Like One in Fall Camp .
