DE Dennis Collins Signs with TCU: National Signing Day 2017

We all know how it goes: a recruit commits to a school that isn’t named LSU, Alabama, or the like, and the big-name schools that got left out will hold out every hope that they’ll change their mind before National Signing Day. Like they’re somehow going to woo the recruit back like an old girlfriend. In the case of Dennis Collins, Arkansas and LSU must feel like the ones who were hoping for a second date and never got it.

The 6’3”, 255-pound Defensive End hails from West Monroe, LA and received offers from Louisiana Tech, LSU, and Louisiana-Lafayette if he had a desire to stay closer to home. The 4-star recruit also received offers from TCU, Tennessee, Alabama, Jackson State, Ole Miss, and UT San Antonio.

Collins originally dreamt of playing tight end, but his middle school football coach told him that defensive linemen had a better shot at playing for a Division I school. That same coach may have also planted the idea of playing for TCU in Collins’ head—the coach was James McFarland, father of TCU’s former DE by the same name. The younger McFarland had just committed to TCU back in 2012. So Collins worked hard to become a top defensive recruit, stating last Spring that he wanted to focus on increasing his speed, hand placement, and pass-rushing in 2016.

Collins has history with LSU player KeKe Mingo and his brothers. He also went to LSU’s “Boys from the Boot” event as a junior and told reporters that he’s always wanted to play for the Tigers. At the time, he hadn’t visited TCU yet, but mentioned a close friendship with TCU Defensive Tackle Chuck Hunter. Collins had 3 unofficial visits at LSU in 2015 and 2016, in addition to a Coaches’ Visit. Collins also visited Arkansas, causing chatter about him becoming a Hog.

Collins has been committed to TCU since June 13, 2016 and is sticking with his decision to become a Frog. In fact, he’s been a strong commit for awhile, according to an interview he did with Scout.com, where he said that, “unless there’s a coaching change” he’s sticking with TCU. He likes the atmosphere at TCU and talks to Coach Zarnell Fitch often.

TCU’s defense started out shaky in 2016, but improved as the season continued. That being said, Collins is a great addition to a defense that’s still trying to work out the kinks and play consistently. We’re happy to see him added to the Horned Frogs’ roster and look forward to seeing what he does in the opening game against Jackson State this season.