Collier returns from Chestnut Hill

Four-star athlete Averin Collier took his first official visit of the season over the weekend. The 5-foot-11, 195-pounder out of Churchville (N.Y.) Churchville-Chili made his way to Chestnut Hill for the Eagles game against Florida State.

"I got out there at Friday around four," he said. "Over the past couple days, I really just hung out with the players to see what they are going to be like, check out the atmosphere on campus and I watched the game.

"Before Saturday night's game, I just hung out with a lot of other recruits and my host, Will Thompson. It was good hanging out with him. He's a real cool guy that is fun and a good person to be around. I got to meet a lot of other players. I shook hands with Matt Ryan and met all the coaches too."

Boston College's undefeated season ended last night to Florida State, but that didn't bother the Rivals250 prospect.

"It was a good game," he said. "It definitely showed me how much they use their running backs, both of them. They use them at wide receiver in man-to-man matchups to get the ball in open space. I was also impressed with their linemen. They are really well coached and create lanes and that creates good rushing numbers for the running backs. The crowd there was pretty insane too, very energetic even though is was raining and cold."

Before leaving earlier today, Collier met with the coaches.

"They all are very nice people, very genuine," he said. "They were real straight forward and told me the situation at running back, how they need one.

"I talked to coach Sherman, the defensive line coach, coach Logan, the athletic director and coach Jags. I had a good conversation with all of them. I got a feel about what it's like to be there on campus.

"I sat down with coach Jagodzinski for one-on-one time too. It was a good meeting, he was straight forward too. He talked about how he felt about me. He definitely wants me as a running back and how they are recruiting six other guys and whoever commits first will be the only one they take. That doesn't bother me, I definitely want to go on other visits and make a clear decision. If someone else commits before I'm ready to decide, I'll roll with the punches."

Where does the visit put the Eagles for Collier's services?

"They are right in the thick of things," he said. "I like the campus, academics and the feel of what it's like there. I could see myself playing at Boston College. They have all the tools I need as a player, but I've got to make sure it feels right."

At this time, the No. 1 prospect in the Empire State has no other official visits planned.

"I still don't know," he said. "I'm going to try to take another one in the next week or two. I think Clemson, Pittsburgh and Georgia Tech could get three of them, but it's a possibility I'll look elsewhere. Other schools are coming in. I do plan to take all five official visits before I decide."