When Mark Dantonio was in his prime with Michigan State, he was recruiting the Midwest at a high level. He was landing kids from Michigan and Ohio that were overlooked by programs like Michigan and Ohio State, and it looks like Jonathan Smith may be taking a page out of the former head coach's book.
Smith has focused heavily on the state of Michigan, and he's landed some overlooked gems from Ohio. The newest Ohio gem that has been overlooked by Ohio State may have identified himself during fall camp. That gem is former three-star wideout Braylon Collier.
The talented freshman receiver has been making plays throughout fall practice and the coaching staff has been singing his praises for weeks.
After another scrimmage in which he made some impressive plays and did his job well, playing at a higher level than most incoming freshmen, receivers coach Courtney Hawkins gushed over his young receiver from Sandusky, Ohio.
Courtney Hawkins: “Braylon Collier is a really good route runner for as young as he is. He’s got a good approach to the game, he’s got quickness, he can take the top off the defense. He’s made contested catches, had a good fall.”
— Emmett Matasovsky (@E_Matasovsky57) August 18, 2025
Hawkins spoke highly of Collier on Monday which isn't all that surprising because he's been one of the young guys who has seemed to pop up in conversations of first-year breakout candidates this month. Jonathan Smith has been raving about him, fellow receivers have been talking about him, and now we have Hawkins hyping him up.
It might be unfair to put too much pressure on Collier right now since he'll likely be the sixth or seventh guy in the (deep) room, but it's a good sign for the future.
Hawkins has said that it remains to be seen what kind of playing time guys like Collier and Charles Taplin will get this season, but if they keep performing at a high level, they're going to see the field plenty. Collier has "future No. 1 receiver" written all over him.