There were two massive questions facing Fran Brown when he took the Syracuse job. Could he recruit to a middling program immediately? And if so, was it a temporary bump or sustainable? So far, Brown is answering both queries with an affirmative. The commitment of Rickie Collins proves that the Brown Bump has ripple effects, and the Orange just landed one of their most exciting QB prospects in years.
Collins played sparingly in the last two seasons at LSU, appearing in just four games for mop up duty. He has three years left of eligibility, so if it works at SU there is stability at the position and another arm to take advantage of the growing visibility of the program. Kyle McCord took the reigns and drew renewed attention and respect around college football, not to mention his NFL prospects, after getting passed over at Ohio State.
Collins fits the same type of mold as McCord. Like the former Buckeyes signal-caller, Collins is a 4-star recruit who committed to a major conference power with national championship hardware in the office. And now like McCord, Collins has sought SU to be the next step in his career.
This is not the first player Brown has plucked from an SEC power. Former Alabama offensive lineman Naquil Betrand recently committed to the Orange as well. Brown has SEC ties, having been an assistant and tremendous recruiter for Georgia. That experience appears to be paying dividends.
This is also not the first high-profile QB transfer to look seriously at the Orange this month. Kaidon Salter had interest in the Orange before committing to Colorado to succeed potential top pick Shadeur Sanders.
Brown’s first season with the Orange ended with a dramatic comeback over Miami, a rocking Carrier Dome, a top 25 ranking in the CFP standings, and a Holiday Bowl. It all worked masterfully for him this season. Now comes the harder part: sustaining the success. But Collins represents a string step forward in that goal.
