Here is a breakdown between 2013 South Plantation RB Alex Collins and Miami freshman RB Duke Johnson.*
Size: Collins
Collins has prototypical size for a running back at 5'11 and now reportedly up around 200 lbs. if there was one knock on Duke, it would be his size, but he isn't expected to carry the load so that shouldn't be an issue.*
Speed: Duke
This one was easy, but Collins can't be sold short here either. He has a great burst, especially for somebody his size.*
Power: Collins
This one is Collins mostly because of his size. Duke has very surprising power and is a better between-the-tackles runner than people give him credit for. The thing that separates Collins here is that he will be able to run through people at the college level. Duke has one of the best stiff-arms I've ever seen.*
Quickness: Duke
Duke's change of direction and cutting ability is unmatched. He seemingly lulls defenders to sleep before making a devastating cut, leaving them in the dust. This is an area that Collins would beat most at, but not Duke Johnson.*
Versatility: Duke
This one is a no-brainer. We are already hearing that Jedd Fisch has different formations just for Duke, where he will be lined up all over the field. He is an extremely precise route-runner and can be deadly in the slot. Collins is more of a true running back.*
Upside: Duke
This one was tough. With "upside", I am using the word in college terms. I think that Duke's style translates extremely well in today's wide-open game at the college level. If this was about NFL outlook, Collins would get the nod. He has the size of an NFL back right now and he hasn't even hit a college weight room.*
Bottom Line: Both of these guys are absolute studs and will be a deadly combination if Collins sticks with the Canes. Another aspect of their games that is exceptional is their vision. I believe both will have very productive college careers.*
Size: Collins
Collins has prototypical size for a running back at 5'11 and now reportedly up around 200 lbs. if there was one knock on Duke, it would be his size, but he isn't expected to carry the load so that shouldn't be an issue.*
Speed: Duke
This one was easy, but Collins can't be sold short here either. He has a great burst, especially for somebody his size.*
Power: Collins
This one is Collins mostly because of his size. Duke has very surprising power and is a better between-the-tackles runner than people give him credit for. The thing that separates Collins here is that he will be able to run through people at the college level. Duke has one of the best stiff-arms I've ever seen.*
Quickness: Duke
Duke's change of direction and cutting ability is unmatched. He seemingly lulls defenders to sleep before making a devastating cut, leaving them in the dust. This is an area that Collins would beat most at, but not Duke Johnson.*
Versatility: Duke
This one is a no-brainer. We are already hearing that Jedd Fisch has different formations just for Duke, where he will be lined up all over the field. He is an extremely precise route-runner and can be deadly in the slot. Collins is more of a true running back.*
Upside: Duke
This one was tough. With "upside", I am using the word in college terms. I think that Duke's style translates extremely well in today's wide-open game at the college level. If this was about NFL outlook, Collins would get the nod. He has the size of an NFL back right now and he hasn't even hit a college weight room.*
Bottom Line: Both of these guys are absolute studs and will be a deadly combination if Collins sticks with the Canes. Another aspect of their games that is exceptional is their vision. I believe both will have very productive college careers.*
