By Erik Harris
CLAY – It was just a southern thing until Wednesday.
Clay-Chalkville junior Nico Collins has all the attributes that make offensive coaches at every level smile with approval, and defensive coaches spitting mad. His rare combination of size and athleticism has had the best of the Southeastern Conference singing his praises since his breakout sophomore season that saw him go for 805 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. From the state of Florida to Louisiana to Mississippi and, of course, Alabama, every elite program in the region has made its most enticing sales pitch to the 6-foot-4 wideout.
However, things got taken to another level on Wednesday when first-year Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh did what he’s known for doing – looking south for some top-tier talent. Michigan’s scholarship offer is Collins’ first from the Big Ten.
The Clay-Chalkville football program took to Twitter to announce the offer on Wednesday afternoon.
“The Michigan Wolverines offer Nico Collins, Jr. WR from Clay-Chalkville. #Couglife,” read the team’s twitter account.
Six games deep into the 2015 season, Collins has a team-high 27 receptions for 463 yards (17.1 yards per catch) and six scores.
Follow Erik Harris on Twitter @jeharris2.