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The Gophers’ read-hot transfer portal streak continued Monday. North Carolina transfer EDGE defender Chris Collins committed to Minnesota Monday afternoon. Collins appeared in 34 games throughout his five-year career in Chapel Hill, totaling 69 total tackles 12 TFLs and 6.5 sacks. He will now finish his collegiate career in Dinkytown as a Graduate Transfer.
Psalms 118:22
Thankful for the opportunity. @GopherFootball pic.twitter.com/sWwRJZ8TIy— Chris (@chri_ca) December 19, 2022
Who is Chris Collins?:
In 2018, Collins was heavily recruited out of Richmond, Virginia. As the No. 407 ranked high school prospect he held top offers from Georgia, Miami (FL) and Michigan State before ultimately committing to North Carolina. It took him a while to find consistent playing time, but in 2021 he finally carved out a serious role, appearing in 12 games and making three starts. After recording 29 total tackles, 6 TFLs and 2.5 sacks in 2021 he proved he could compete in big-time college football. After another productive season in 2022, he entered the transfer portal before ending up in Minnesota.
- Scouting Report:
Listed at 6-foot-4, 245 pounds Collins has the typical size of OLB/DE, a very similar physical profile to Boye Mafe. He has shown the ability to be a productive pass rusher at the power five level. I would certainly say that he looks more comfortable rushing the passer rather than in run defense. Overall he is more than capable of being a body the Gophers’ can throw in the defensive line mix, something they lacked last season.
Instant Reaction:
Heading into the offseason, I believe that pass-rushing help was the Gophers’ biggest need on their roster. Chris Collins will add just that. I don’t think he will be a sure-fire starter, but he will be a sure-fire contributor. With Jah Joyner, Danny Striggow, Jalen Logan-Redding and Lorenza Surgers all returning the Gophers now have five capable bodies. At this point, I just don’t know if any of them will be all-conference players. Joyner and Striggow have shown the highest ceiling, but Minnesota needs that high-end consistent play for this defense to take another step. Overall Collins fits a need and a veteran power five transfer is always a big pickup.
What is next?:
Minnesota’s transfer portal additions are now at five. They’ve hit four positions of need and I hope they’re done, specifically on the defensive line. The winter transfer portal window is open for 30 more days and I expect we’re just getting started.
- Western Michigan, WR, Corey Crooms Jr.
- Western Michigan, LB, Ryan Selig
- Charlotte, WR, Elijah Spencer
- SE Louisiana, DB, Jack Henderson
- UNC, EDGE, Chris Collins
Looking at the defensive line specifically, I would personally like to see the Gophers take as many shots as possible, and see what sticks, similar to what they’ve done at wide receiver. They certainly have the talent it’s now just time to get some consistency.
- DE: Jah Joyner/Jalen Logan-Redding
- DT: Trill Carter/Deven Eastern
- DT: Kyler Baugh/Darnell Jeffries
- DE: Danny Striggow/Chris Collins/Lorenza Surgers