Seth Collins returns to Oregon State after nearly transferring
Seth Collins is back with Oregon State.
Collins, who started seven games at quarterback for the Beavers last fall, was granted his release in January and signed a financial aid agreement with Northern Illinois in February. However, Collins never officially withdrew from OSU as a student and has since decided to return to the team. Beavers head coach Gary Andersen announced the news Monday.
“I’m very humbled that my teammates and coaches have provided me the opportunity to rejoin the team,” Collins said. “Coach Andersen did not always agree with the direction that I was headed during this process, but was always there to talk and support me as a person first. I’ve grown tremendously as a person since I arrived in Corvallis and I can’t wait to put on the pads and represent Beaver Nation the best way possible.”
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Collins initially made the decision to leave OSU after Andersen hoped to move him from quarterback to wide receiver. Collins relented at first, but he has now agreed to play receiver for the Beavers.
“The reason we do what we do is to build young men off and on the field, supporting them and preparing them for the future,” Andersen said. “Sometimes they do not always make decisions we agree with, but these can be times of growth for the individual. The return of Seth to our program is a decision supported by the leaders of this team, our coaching staff and myself.”
Collins will not participate in spring practices, Andersen said, but he has returned to the team’s strength and conditioning program.
“We have a plan that will take place over the next few months for Seth to earn his way back in the mainstream of our program. He is fully prepared to accept the responsibility and make up for the time he has missed,” Andersen said. “Spring football is in part a reward for winter conditioning, and as a result, Seth will not participate during the remaining practices. However, he is back in the weight room completing the winter conditioning cycle.”
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Andersen also noted that Collins is “an excellent student” and has “remained on campus and in classes at Oregon State throughout the entire process.”
Collins was the Beavers’ starting quarterback entering the 2015 campaign and started the first seven games before injuring his knee before the Utah game.
Overall, Collins threw for 935 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions and also led the team with 575 yards and eight touchdowns rushing. Collins beat out Nick Mitchell and Marcus McMaryion for the starting QB gig last season. Collins has since transferred while McMaryion is competing with Utah State transfer Darell Garretson to start in 2016.
Oregon State is scheduled to hold its spring game on Saturday at Reser Stadium.
For more Oregon State news, visit BeaverBlitz.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
