Another Louisiana RB for Utah? Utes in mix for 3-star Michael Hollins

Utah surprised many when it reached into Louisiana to nab three-star running back Devin Brumfield on Signing Day last month. But as it turns out, the Pac-12 program's work in the Bayou is just getting started.

The Utes have jumped into the mix for three-star Baton Rouge (La.) University running back Michael Hollins, offering first and since then building a relationship with the prospect who has seen his recruitment explode over the past month.

"That was my first offer," Hollins said at and actually having someone pull the trigger and be that first school and want you and show interest in you it means a lot and it stays with you throughout the process."

Despite several new offers coming in, including Alabama, Hollins said the Utes remain high on his list.

"Utah is holding up there high for me," Hollins said. "I got an offer from Alabama but they want me to come to camp and I’m excited but I don’t know where they stand yet. Utah has been showing me the most love and even over a long period of time they've been showing me a lot of love."

Hollins said having Brumfield already on board with the Utes only helps their chances with him.

"I know Devin and our mentor is the same so we know each other and we know Utah and what they have to offer and it’s a great opportunity to go out there," he said. "That was great to see I had schools from the PAC-12 and the west coast recruiting me and recruiting our state because we have a lot of talent."

As far as his potential fit at Utah, the Utes coaches have already given him high praise in comparing him to current star running back Zack Moss.

"They’ve told me I’m a lot like him and they think I have the potential to be like him or better if I keep developing," Hollins said. "I liked that and that meant a lot because I’ve watched his games and he’s so tough. I think he was among the leaders for broken tackles in the NCAA and he's a tough guy to tackle just like me."

As far as a visit to Salt Lake City, Hollins said if he were setting his schedule now the Utes would be in line for an official visit and he's planning on taking one in the fall.

"Oh yeah, they will get an official visit," he said. "I'm going to wait and take them in the fall but they are on my list."