Marquise Collins breaks down commitment to Duke

College Station (Texas) three-star running back Marquise Collins announced his commitment to Duke on Sunday morning, becoming the Blue Devils' 22nd pledge in the 2023 class.

For Collins, who had opportunities to play at Utah, Boston College and more, he sees Duke as an opportunity to change a program.

"They're looking for change right now. No one is going that can really take over the program. I'm coming to change the program."

Collins' relationship with head coach Mike Elko stems from his days at Texas A&M as the relationship they have built during his recruitment ultimately paid off.

"Since he got there, he's been hitting me up with love. He's been recruiting me hard and staying on me for a minute. I knew of him before, I knew his son though. I was talking to his son most of the time until we got more on the recruiting side of things when I talked to him more. You gotta just know him. There's something about him, he's serious about when he wants to get something done."

His official visit to Duke also stood out as he was able to connect with coaches, players and the campus.

"Just how excited everybody was and how big everything was," he said. "It was family up there."

A big reason for his decision is also the opportunity to play early as the coaches have communicated that there will be a chance for him to see the field almost immediately.

"It's rebuilding," Collins said. "I feel like the chances are really good for me to go up there and compete. Just getting in and being able to learn the offense. They think once I learn the offense, it'll be up from there."

A statistical machine last season for College Station, Collins rushed for 2,826 yards and 39 touchdowns in helping lead his team to a state runner-up finish in Texas' 5A Division I level.

At 5-foot-10, 190 pounds, Collins is the No. 91 ranked recruit from the state of Texas and the No. 13 ranked all-purpose back in the country.