Michigan State Football: Elijah Collins will bounce back in big way in 2021

COVID-19 took a big toll on everyone in 2020. Fans, players, and coaches all suffered the consequences of a pandemic ravaging the nation, and one player, in particular, had to feel a little lost in the fray. Elijah Collins came down with COVID-19, lost a lot of weight, and looked like a shell of his 2019 self during the 2020 season.

Everyone assumed it was the new coaching staff that he just didn’t fit in with and the fears began to mount that he was unhappy and the 2019 breakout star would hit the transfer portal.

Fortunately, that wasn’t the case. Unfortunately, he suffered from a bad case of COVID-19.

Losing weight, explosiveness, and confidence, Collins was watching as his carries were dispersed to a player who has since made the position change to tight end (Connor Heyward) and a freshman (Jordon Simmons). It was a rough season but he looks to have gained his muscle back and looks to be more confident heading into the 2021 campaign despite being the projected RB2 behind Wake Forest transfer Kenneth Walker III.

Hopes are high for Walker III as he has earned the praises of coaches and teammates since enrolling in the spring, but what some people don’t realize is that Collins is going to be a heck of a complementary piece for the former Demon Deacon.

Collins nearly hit 1,000 rushing yards in 2019 and proved he can be a workhorse back and he did that without a good offensive line. He was creating his own running lanes and exhibiting plenty of patience, so just imagine what he can do with an improved line — he’ll get that in 2021.

We’re going to see Collins bounce back from a nightmarish 2020 season and return to his 2019 form, on a smaller scale, this season.

The Michigan State football backfield has options

For the first time in years, Michigan State has endless options in the backfield. When the starter (Walker III) comes out, there’s a more than capable backup (Collins) waiting to play a complementary role. Those two could create one of the best one-two punches in the conference.

And when Collins is gassed, there’s a former top-100 recruit and Auburn transfer (Harold Joiner) ready to check in. If all three of those guys need a break, there’s a talented second-year player who led the team in rushing yards last season (Simmons), chomping at the bit.

This is a four-deep backfield and there are still guys like Donovan Eaglin and Davion Primm who will be ready to go if there’s an emergency situation.

If you’re Mel Tucker, you have to feel good about the running back situation, especially with an improved offensive line and a healthy Collins.

Don’t be shocked when Collins looks explosive and hungry again in 2021.