Arkansas running back Alex Collins became the first freshman in SEC history to gain 100 yards or more in his first three games after getting 115 in the Razorbacks’ 24-3 win over Southern Mississippi on Saturday.
He’s also the first freshman in the NCAA to do so since one Adrian Peterson did it in 2004.
Collins had 21 carries for 131 yards in his debut against Louisiana and then followed that up with 172 yards on 24 carries against Samford. His yardage against Southern Miss came on 25 carries and included his second touchdown of the season.
The 5-foot-11, 206-pounder from Ft. Lauderdale was one of the most highly-recruited running backs in the nation this past recruiting cycle. He chose Arkansas over Miami in a highly-publicized decision that went against the wishes of his mother.
It seems like it’s been a good move so far. In fact, Arkansas can make a claim to having perhaps the best running back duo in the country right now, as Collins’ teammate, sophomore Jonathan Williams, also has three-straight 100-yard games to start the season.
Between the two of them, Williams and Collins have 811 yards and five touchdowns in their first three games.
It seems like new Arkansas coach Brett Bielema is used to having excellent running back duos. His past standout pairs from his Wisconsin days include Montee Ball and James White, and P.J. Hill and John Clay.
If Williams and Collins keep it up, they’ll rank right up there with the best of Bielema’s backs before they’re through.