Michgan, USC moving in on Collier

During the evaluation period the offers exploded for running back Kevin Collier out of Churchville (N.Y.) Churchville-Chili. The running back picked up seven offers that we previously reported on, but since then the 5-foot-10, 190-pounder has received mail from some pretty prestigious programs.

"The evaluation period was beautiful not just with the offers, but a lot of schools showed interest like Southern Cal, Michigan, Illinois, Kansas State, North Carolina and North Carolina State."

What did Collier think of the some of the biggest schools that haven't offered including Southern Cal, Michigan and Notre Dame?

"Southern Cal likes my running style and how I cut between the holes, they said I fit their profile for a running back. Brennan Carroll loved my tape and he said it quickly got his attention. He told me it was awesome and amazing, it was the best he's seen. I definitely want to visit Southern Cal like every school. They are good guys there and very down to earth, I love their football," he said. "Michigan just recruited New York running back Mike Hart from around here and they are a good program. Who doesn't want to go to the Loud House? Notre Dame is on my list too, they're a little different but it's still football. They have a good program and their coaches are all down to earth."

Currently, Collier is favoring his offers along with Michigan, Southern Cal, Kansas State, Illinois, Miami and North Carolina State.

"There's something I like about all the schools like Syracuse I can stay in New York, Pittsburgh has coach Wannstedt now, Connecticut's recruiter Johnson, Boston College and coach Lempa and coach Palermo at Wisconsin, they are all really good guys."

A couple weeks back the running back made a trip to the Total Sports First combine in western New York.

"I did very well there, I ran a 4.5-second 40-yard dash," he said. "A lot of colleges saw me perform and it was a good chance to show my talent."

This summer Collier is looking at heading to Connecticut, Syracuse, Maryland, Boston College and Wisconsin for unofficial visits.

"I'm just going to see if I fit there, the campus life, students and players," he said. "I'm looking to major in communications, physical education or childhood development, but I just want to see if it feels like home. I want someone to be there in my time of need, I don't want to just go for football."

Collier is looking to hold off on a decision until sometime in January.

This upcoming season the back is preparing to help his team reach the finals again.

"I'm lifting weights, working out and running, I just want to stay consistent like last year where I had 20 touchdowns and no fumbles," he said. "That's a great year and by staying consistent I'm going to try to get our team to the finals again."

Collier will have same familiar company helping him next season in his younger brother Averin Collier, who'll play wide receiver and running back.

"He's going to be just as good or better than me, he's an important part of our team next season."

The running back prospect is looking to help out in basketball and track next season in an attempt to be tri-athlete of the year.

Collier was named Section V Class AAA offensive player of the year as he rushed for 1,724 yards and 20 touchdowns.