Jasper Collins
Height: 5-11
Weight: 188
Age: 22
College: Mount Union
Hometown: Geneva, N.Y.
Experience: 1
Jasper Collins is in his second year in the league out of Division III Mount Union University. This is also the alma mater of Washington Redskins receiver Pierre Garcon and Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Cecil Shorts III. Collins was actually rated as a seventh round prospect coming into the 2013 NFL draft. He was asked to play in the 2013 East-West Shrine Game.
In his last college football season, he played in 15 games and led the Ohio Athletic Conference in yards per game (112.9), receptions (92), receiving yards (1,694) and receiving touchdowns (22). He was named first-team All-OAC for his efforts.
After going undrafted, the Miami Dolphins signed him as an undrafted free agent. After suffering a hamstring injury in training camp, Collins was waived by the Dolphins, and once he cleared waivers, he was placed on injured reserve. After being released on an injury settlement he was picked up and then dropped by the Cleveland Browns. Then the Steelers signed him to a futures contract.
This is when the Bengals stepped in and saved him from the misery of the Browns and Steelers.
I pull for the guys that have a tougher road in making it to the NFL. The number of players that make the professional level after playing division III football in college is very small. The Bengals could be adding depth for camp, or may genuinely be interested in seeing what the kid can do on special teams.
I don't envision Collins making any measurable impact in the passing game, but could find his way to the roster if he excels on special teams.