Baltimore Ravens sign Chris Collier to practice squad
BALTIMORE, Md. – Former Lock Haven football standout and 2023 All-American running back Chris Collier was signed to the Baltimore Ravens practice squad on Wednesday.
BaltimoreRavens.com — https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/baltimore-ravens-news-practice-squad-signing-transactions-2024-initial
Collier, who signed with the Ravens following the National Football League (NFL) Draft in April, spent the preseason with Baltimore, where he totaled 104 total yards from 28 carries and two catches out of the backfield. Collier rushed for 42 yards on a team-leading 13 carries in the preseason finale. Collier also made an impact with the special team’s unit as a returner on kickoff.
“With deep gratitude, I thank God for the many blessings and opportunities he has granted me this past year,” Collier said. “I am especially thankful for my family, friends and coaches, who have supported me every step of the way. I’m also profoundly grateful for the unwavering encouragement from the Lock Haven and Lawrence (N.Y.) communities. Your love and support have been a guiding light on my journey and have truly made all the difference.”
The Ravens didn’t wait long to sign Collier to the practice unit, inking the deal before 12 p.m. eastern time, as he joined a small group of initial signees.
Following a standout campaign as a graduate student for the Bald Eagles, Collier’s postseason accolades include: D2football.com Elite 100, First Team AFCA DII All-American, Don Hansen All-American HM, Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Offensive Player of the Year, First Team All-PSAC East selection and Second Team D2CCA All-Region honoree and First Team AFCA All-American.
Collier, who led the PSAC is total rushing yards (1,393), rushing yards-per-game (126.6) and ranked second in rushing touchdowns (12), helped lead the Bald Eagles to their first five-win season since 1982.
In the process, he became Lock Haven’s first 1,000-yard rusher since 1981, while his 1,393 rushing yards broke the Lock Haven single-season record set by Lock Haven Hall of Famer Joe Speese’s in 1979.