4-star DL Charleston Collins commits to Arkansas Razorbacks: 'It's home'

Pine Bluff (Ark.) Wilbur D. Mills four-star defensive lineman Charleston Collins held offers from top programs across the country. It turns out he will play college football just under 200 miles away.

Collins announced his commitment to Arkansas on Friday, choosing the Razorbacks over Georgia and LSU. He is Arkansas’ second pledge in-state pledge of the day, following Aledo (Texas) three-star cornerback Jaden Allen.

“It’s home,” Collins told On3. “Me choosing to stay in-state is giving me an opportunity to be the voice and image of my home state. As a kid, everybody growing up wanted to be that man. I feel that me staying home and representing my state and knowing that I have the whole state behind me is going to be something special.”

The 6-foot-4, 250-pound defender is now focused on helping the Razorbacks build their 2024 recruiting class. On3’s No. 1 player in Arkansas believes head coach Sam Pittman and his staff have the program poised to reach new heights.

Collins has noticed how Arkansas is recruiting at a high level and landing players such as 2023 four-star quarterback signee Malachi Singleton. As a result, he believes that the Razorbacks can contend for a national championship in the coming seasons.

“(Pittman’s) building something amazing,” said Collins, the No. 124 overall prospect and No. 12 defensive lineman in the 2024 On300. “In the next two or three years, I know for a fact that everybody will see it. From the family-type vibe to the players being dedicated and happy to be there, he’s a great dude.”

Collins felt like a top priority to Arkansas

Collins estimates he has visited Fayetteville around eight times. While on campus, Arkansas’ staff made him feel like a priority.

“That’s one reason I kept going back: it’s a family vibe,” Collins said. “Everybody knows me, everybody knows my family, everybody knows my siblings. There are no name tags. It’s genuine love from the food, to the people, to the town of Fayetteville itself.”

Razorbacks defensive line coach Deke Adams has been recruiting Collins since “day one.” The four-star shared that Adams checks in with him every other day or every week to make sure he is doing well both on and off the field.

Meanwhile, Arkansas’ head man has also made a great impression on Collins. According to Collins, “why wouldn’t somebody want to play for coach Pittman?”

“He’s an amazing guy, he’s funny,” Collins said. “But when it’s time to be about business, he’s about his business. He’ll joke around with you, play with you, take care of your friends and family.”