Hawg Heaven

From MaxPrep:

Top-flight running backs are as much a part of South Florida as beaches and sunshine. Each year, the area seems to produce some of the best backs in the country, many of whom end up in the NFL.

Willis McGahee, Frank Gore and Lamar Miller all currently suit up for NFL teams after making a stop at the University of Miami.

Will Alex Collins follow the same route?

Collins is the No. 17-ranked recruit overall and the No. 1-ranked player at his position, according to 247Sports.

The 5-foot-11, 205-pound standout from South Plantation (Plantation, Fla.) made a verbal commitment to Miami shortly before last year's National Signing Day and seemed like he could be the next elite running back to play for the Hurricanes.

However, in November, as Miami struggled to a 7-5 season and before the program self-imposed a bowl game ban, Collins decided to reopen his recruitment and pursue other options.

At the same time, Collins was in the midst of a fine senior campaign in which he rushed for 1,276 yards and 14 touchdowns on just 154 carries, earning first team All-County honors from the Miami Herald as well as the Sun-Sentinel for the second year in a row.

Longtime Florida talent evaluator Larry Blustein told MaxPreps, "Alex Collins is one of those unique football players who combines power, speed and great vision. A smart player who can make a major impact."

Following Collins' decommitment from Miami, it appeared that Florida State could be the favorite to land his services. The departure of assistant coach Eddie Gran jarred Collins and made his recruitment murkier than ever.

Now, with three weeks remaining until National Signing Day, Collins' recruitment appears like it can go a number of different directions. MaxPreps takes a stab a handicapping the odds of Collins' college decision.

Favorite: Miami
While it's uncommon for players to sign with a school they decommit from, Miami could be the ultimate landing spot for Collins. The Hurricanes have recruited well lately, landing a commitment from Top 100 defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad. Collins visited Miami over the weekend and was joined by rock-solid commits Kevin Olsen, Ray Lewis Jr. and others, who undoubtedly did all they could to sway Collins back to Miami.

Contender: Arkansas
Bret Bielema recruited Collins with Wisconsin, and even got him to visit Madison. Now at the helm at Arkansas, Bielema continues to pursue the nation's No. 1 running back and should get an official visit. The fact that former Razorbacks great Darren McFadden recently tweeted that Collins would look good playing for Arkansas certainly didn't hurt.

Sleeper: Wisconsin
Even with Bielema having moved on, it seems that Wisconsin still has a shot with Collins, who could enjoy a similar amount of success making the move from Broward County to Madison as former St. Thomas Aquinas star James White.