One day after Donovan Peoples-Jones declared for the NFL draft, junior receiver Nico Collins announced he will return to Michigan for his senior season.
Collins arrived in Ann Arbor as the third-highest ranked wide receiver commit in the Wolverines’ star-studded 2017 recruiting class, but quickly established himself as one of their key offensive weapons. After catching just three passes as a freshman, Collins broke out as a sophomore, recording 38 catches for 632 yards.
In 2019, he was Michigan’s second-leading receiver with 729 yards and seven touchdowns. His strong season was capped with a 165-yard, three-touchdown performance against Indiana in November, creating widespread belief that he would declare for the NFL Draft, where he was projected as a likely Day Two pick.
Collins’ return, though, should bolster the Wolverines’ receiving corps into one of the strengths of their offense heading into the 2020 season.
“I am excited to announce that with the support of my family, I will be returning to the University of Michigan for my senior year,” Collins said in a tweet Sunday afternoon. “I am taking this opportunity to progressively evolve my craft, in preparation for what God had in store for me!
“I have always believed in finishing what I started. Coach (Jim) Harbaugh, coach (Josh) Gattis and staff have helped me grow as a player and person. Another season with our coaching staff will allow me to continue to work on my skill and development which will prepare me for the next level.”
He is expected to join sophomore Ronnie Bell and freshman Giles Jackson as Michigan’s starting receivers. Along with the return of redshirt junior tight end Nick Eubanks, that group will likely account for the majority of the Wolverines’ receiving production in 2020.