It’s not often you see a Group of Five player rise up the ranks as fast as Zaven Collins has — but the transfer portal may soon eliminate that.
Collins came to Tulsa and immediately cracked the starting lineup, recording 85 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, an interception, three pass breakups, and a forced fumble as a freshman. He only improved as a sophomore with 97 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks, and three pass breakups.
And then there was his junior season in 2020 when he took college football by storm with 54 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, four interceptions, two touchdowns, two pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. He won the Lombardi Award, Nagurski Trophy, and Bednarik Award while also being named a unanimous All-American.
Collins translates to an edge rusher at the next level but could also strictly be a linebacker and that’s what the Ravens need. That versatility will be a huge addition to Baltimore’s defense.