Kansas State has a speed piece waiting in the wings, and Robert “RJ” Collins Jr. brings more than just track-burner headlines to the Wildcats.
Collins, a defensive back from Staley High School in Kansas City, Missouri, enrolled early enough to take part in K-State’s 2025 spring practices. He redshirted last season and did not appear in a game, but his background suggests a player with real upside once the door opens.
Originally listed as a safety in 2025, Collins is now being identified as a cornerback, which puts him in a crowded position group this fall. That makes a breakthrough more difficult, though his athletic profile gives him a chance to carve out a role, especially on special teams.
The 6-foot-? speed threat - well, the source doesn’t give a listed size, but it does make clear just how fast he is - built his reputation at Staley under head coach Andrew Hudgins.
ESPN ranked him the 29th-best safety in the Class of 2025 and the fifth-best overall prospect in Missouri. On3 slotted him as the 71st-best cornerback in the country.
His senior year production backed up the recruiting buzz. Collins posted 42 tackles, four tackles for loss, a sack and four pass breakups, earning all-state honors from the Missouri Football Coaches Association. He also collected all-conference recognition as a sophomore, junior and senior.
What really jumps off the page is the track resume. Collins won a state title in the 200-meter dash as a junior and set a Missouri state record at 21.23.
He was second in the event as a senior. In the 100, he won a state championship as a senior and broke the state record with a 10.27.
He also finished third as a junior and was a finalist as a sophomore.
“Being known as the fastest man in Missouri high school history is pretty dope. It’s a legacy that lasts, and it’s something I’m proud of,” Collins told GoPowercat.com.
K-State beat out a long list of programs for Collins, including FCS offers from Delaware, Illinois State, Missouri State, North Dakota, North Dakota State, Northern Iowa, South Dakota State and Tennessee-Martin. He also picked up a late scholarship offer from USC, along with regional interest from Iowa State, Nebraska and Wyoming.
His main connection to the Wildcats was former safeties coach and defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman, who served as his primary recruiter.
Collins also comes from a K-State family. Both of his parents attended Kansas State, adding another layer to a recruiting win that brought a local, highly regarded, high-end athlete to Manhattan.
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