FAYETTEVILLE --- For Alex Collins to be better than ever means that Arkansas' junior running back is about the best.
After all, Collins was the 2013 Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year running 1,026 yards on 190 carries for the Razorbacks and in 2014 netted 1,110 yards on 204 carries.
Collins did all that sharing time with Jonathan Williams' rushing 900 yards in 2013 and 1,190 yards last year.
The two looked forward being a tandem again before Williams tore foot ligaments in an August scrimmage, ending Williams' season season.
Going into Saturday's 2:30 p.m. season-opener at Reynolds Razorback Stadium against Texas-El Paso, third-year Arkansas ccach Bret Bielema doesn't want to overload Collins.
He has 260-pound junior Kody Walker and precocious freshman Rawleigh Williams in reserve, but certainly Collins will be counted more often and for longer stretches than before. Collins is up to it and then some, Bielema said on Wednesday's SEC teleconference.
"The natural progression is to go to Alex Collins," Bielema said. "Alex undoubtedly has had his best fall camp since I have been around him. He has trimmed his body fat in the right places and has a better understanding of our offense than he's ever had. I really like what he brings to the table."
Bielema amplified on Collins' utensils.
"He has been very, very explosive," Bielema said. "He looks better than he's ever done at this time of year. I think we are going to get the best Alex we have ever seen and that's exciting."
Bielema also said Collins has been catching the football well fitting new offensive coordinator Dan Enos' plans increasingly to involve running backs in the passing game.
Bielema also discussed Walker, a fifth-year junior already granted a senior sixth season for 2016 by the NCAA having missed the bulk of his first two Razorback years with injuries, and Rawleigh Williams.
"Kody weighs 260 pounds and runs like he's about 240," Bielema said. "He runs really, really fast. A lot of people think he's just going to be a bruiser but he has the ability to turn it to another level.
"Behind him will be Rawleigh Williams. In my opinion on offense he was the surprise of the fall camp. A lot of us thought he was going to be a good player but not to the level that we think he may be. I would be very surprised if he didn't turn a few heads, not just Saturday but for the season."
Bielema called freshman Williams "very explosive" running with "very soft hands" for the passing game "and has a pretty good understanding what we are asking him to do in our system."
How much of an understanding could be a key to how much Williams plays against UTEP.
The Miners blitz constantly and the running-back position plays a key part in pass protection.
* As part of the Prostate Cancer Awareness day for Saturday's game honoring Mike Slive, the retired SEC commissioner currently batting a reoccurrence of prostate cancer, attending fans will be provide Awareness Matters stickers,which include a signature blue ribbon.
Fans attending Saturday's game at DReynolds Razorback Stadium will be provided Awareness Matters stickers, which includes a signature blue ribbon and an area for fans to write the name of a loved one or friend who is fighting or has battled cancer. Fans will be able to pick up their stickers and fill them out at the marketing tables located throughout the concourse.
The Razorbacks and their coaches will wear the Awareness Matter patches Saturday.
Prostate Awareness Day means much to Bielema, whose father, Arnold, is both a prostate-cancer survivor and throat-cancer survivor and attending Saturday's game.
"They asked us all if there was somebody we wanted to dedicate it to," Bielema said. "It wasn't a hard one for me. My father's first name is my middle name. I think helped me get to where I am today. He's a strong man and taught me everything I know about hard work and dedication and pursuing your dreams."
Bielema recalled seeking his father's advice on whether to accept a small-college football scholarship or walk on at the University of Iowa.
"He gave me a quote that says it's better to play in excellence than excel in mediocrity," Bielema said. "I always think about that because he kind of pushed me to my dreams."
Sports on 09/03/2015