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Four-star ATH Collier makes his choice

Four-star athlete Averin Collier out of Churchville (N.Y.) Churchville-Chili announced last week he'd be making a decision on Friday. The day has come and the 5-foot-11, 195-pounder made his choice between Pittsburgh and Syracuse.
"I committed to Syracuse," he said. "The coaches actually knew before I took my official visit.
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"When I told them, they were ecstatic. They were all smiles and told me it was great for the program to land a big-time recruit, especially from upstate New York. They talked to me about what I can do for the team and what the school can do for me as well."
Collier selected Syracuse over Pittsburgh where his brother Kevin Collier is at. What made him head in a different direction?
"I want to be a running back," he said. "I've got a lot to offer and with LeSean McCoy there, having the great season he did. I'd definitely have to sit behind him. I've seen all the support he's gotten in his hometown and I feel I deserve the same here. I'll get all the support I need, it'll be great."
What else did Collier like about the Orangemen?
"The coaches, I've know the staff ever since they came in," he said. "They were one of my first offers way back during my sophomore year. They always saw potential in me. Even when they had down years, they kept track of me.
"When I wasn't showing much interest in them they were showing it to me and then I started looking at them. The more I talked to students and players, I realized it was a nice place and they can turn it around. Any team can, just look at Illinois this year, they are playing in the Rose Bowl."
Playing time is a big part of it for the No. 25 athlete in the country.
"The running back situation is good for me," he said. "I've got a good chance to come in and get a lot of reps in spring ball.
"I'm enrolling in January and will learn the offense with everybody else. Everyone is starting from ground zero with the new offensive coordinator. Hopefully I'll get a good advantage and can possibly take care of business in the spring game."
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