Arkansas hoping slimmer Collins leads to more productive season

Published Aug. 11, 2015 6:43 p.m. ET

foxsports

Alex Collins stars as one member of the Arkansas Razorbacks two-headed monster at running back, and despite accumulating over 1100 total yards of offense and 12 touchdowns last season, there's reason to believe Collins can improve on those numbers.

How you ask? By slimming down over 10 pounds over the offseason.

According to Whole Hog Sports, Bret Bielema wasn't happy with his star running back after he gained nine pounds over spring break, up to 224-pounds. Bielema expressed his displeasure by listing Collins as co-second-teamer in the spring. The message was received loud and clear.

Collins checked in for fall camp at 215-pounds and his teammates have noticed the difference on the practice field.

"His endurance is so much better than it was a year ago," quarterback Brandon Allen said. "He's in there every play now. Every rep he's in going full speed, and before you could kind of see when he was getting tired and he was trying to relax and not go as hard.

"Today he went hard all day long. That comes from getting his body right and getting himself in shape."

If the Hogs are ready to make some noise in the SEC West this season, they'll likely do it on the legs of Collins and Jonathan Williams this season. Having both players show up in prime condition is a good start toward their goals.

(h/t Whole Hog Sports)