Rivals250 QB Rickie Collins commits to Purdue

The decision came quickly for Baton Rouge (La.) Woodlawn quarterback Rickie Collins, who committed to Purdue on Friday.

LSU, Notre Dame, Memphis, Virginia Tech, Arkansas and Cincinnati were other schools in pursuit of the Rivals250 signal-caller from The Boot, who is following in the same footsteps as former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, one of the Collins' childhood favorites.

Here's more on the decision:

"I was ready to make my decision.. Purdue showed me enough to help me make this decision easy. I'm ready to get down there and be in their system and get ready to play ball. Tonight is homecoming, so what a better way to celebrate that."

"Ever since we first got on the phone and I got the offer, ever since then they've been making that push. They've shown me that I'm in the man, I'm who they wanted and they never backed off it since. Our relationship has gotten stronger and stronger and they made me realize it's family over there."

"The fact that Drew (Brees) played there -- it was a factor. I know it's a different coaching staff, but it's still a quarterback school and a quarterback friendly offense. I love the idea of joining the legacy and having my name next to Brees'."

"Coach (Marty) Biagi and the Brohm brothers ... it's a big deal to play for a quarterback. Right now, I play for Marcus Randall, a head coach that played quarterback. At Purdue, the head coach (Jeff Brohm) and the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach (Brian Brohm) all played quarterback. It can't get any better."

"Purdue fits the type of person I am. I want to start something, be the foundation of something. Purdue is a good football team, but they can do better. I want to be able to go there and put Purdue football on the map."

Collins enjoyed a breakout sophomore campaign as an early starter for Baton Rouge Woodlawn, coached by Marcus Randall, and was spectacular throughout the offseason. Collins is smooth and consistently maintains his poise with a quick delivery, good accuracy and the ability to make off-schedule throws look routine.

Collins is a multi-sport athlete -- and it shows -- with his consistent playmaking style and the ability to attack defenses through the air and if need be, with his legs.