Mississippi State lands another Georgia DB in Audavion Collins

Powerhouse program Covington (Ga.) Newton found Audavion Collins while trying to find someone to play the cornerback position on the other side of four-star Georgia signee Nyland Green the first weeks of last season.

They found that Collins was pretty good on his own.

Collins worked himself into the starting role for the start of the 2020 season. By Week Four Collins had received his first scholarship offer.

Nearly a year later, Collins is now committed to Mississippi State.

“It’s crazy, but I’m very blessed,” Collins said. “God blessed me with this opportunity, and I’m going to take it over.”

For Collins, it was time to make the move, as he and Newton embark on what they hope will be a state championship run.

Why did Audavion Collins chose Mississippi State?

Audavion Collins chose the Bulldogs over Tennessee, Michigan State, Indiana and UCF. Coolins said the opportunity to play early led the charge.

The Bulldogs had four defensive back commits in the Class of 2022 prior to Collins’ commitment. They have picked up fellow Georgian Donovan Johnson, a safety from Ellenwood (Ga.) Cedar Grove, on Aug. 13. Jourdan Thomas and Kylon Griffin from Montgomery (Ala.) Montgomery Catholic Preparatory are also committed.

Collins expects to be an outside cornerback in Starkville at 6-foot-1, 170 pounds.

“The depth chart and the number of players they have on the roster at cornerback,” Collins said about why he picked MSU. “When I went over there, it was just an amazing place. I loved it, so that’s what helped me make the decision.”

Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach and the school’s facilities also played a role in Collins’ decision.

“Coach is amazing,” Collins said. “The facilities are amazing. I could picture myself there playing with those guys. Their energy is what it is over there.”

Collins thought about the success of recent defensive backs Cameron Dantzler and Jonathan Abrams when making his decision. The school has shown the ability to develop defensive backs for the next level.

Collins went back and forth with his other offers. The conference schools are in on his list came into question. He felt the SEC was where he wanted to play.

 “I want to play big boy ball in the SEC,” Collins said.

Despite being committed, Collins says he’ll keep his recruitment open for new offers in the coming months.

He has a visit to Starkville scheduled for Sept. 11. He was last on campus in the summer for a camp. The Bulldogs will host North Carolina State that weekend. Collins doesn’t have any other visits set in stone at the moment.

“We’ll see what happens,” Collins said.