Michigan State Football: What does RB Elijah Collins bring to the table?

EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 09: Running back LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his first quarter touchdown against the Western Michigan Broncos with wide receiver Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on September 9, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Western Michigan 24-14. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 09: Running back LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his first quarter touchdown against the Western Michigan Broncos with wide receiver Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on September 9, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Western Michigan 24-14. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State got much-needed depth at running back when Elijah Collins signed. The shifty back out of Detroit has an opportunity to compete immediately.

Michigan State lost key depth when senior running back Madre London decided to transfer, however, they are getting a powerhouse of a back in Elijah Collins.

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The University of Detroit Jesuit product had multiple offers from the likes of Wisconsin, Kentucky, Iowa and Pittsburgh, to name a few. When you watch his film you realize how special of a player he is. His ability to make plays jumps off the screen.

Collins has great vision and patience to go along with his speed. He has a 4.66 40-yard dash time, however, he plays faster. He uses his shiftiness well and possess a tremendous ability to read his blocks. He also played on kickoffs and he might compete at MSU for time there early on. He is a difficult player to keep off the field.

In fact, he’s the No. 520 prospect in the country and 30th-best running back, according to 247Sports.

The young running back is a playmaker. While MSU will be relying heavily on LJ Scott it would behoove them to prepare Collins to compete once LJ Scott graduates.

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Personally, I’d be surprised if the Spartans redshirted him, because he has a nose of open space. Plus MSU does not want to be in a situation like when Jeremy Langford took over the running back duties in his junior year. He turned out to be a great Spartan back, but it took some time. Collins is an excellent get and will enhance the Spartans ground game.