EDGE OF MIAMI TRANSFER Collins Acheampong commits to UCLA and discusses his decision
Collins Acheampong, a former Miami edge rusher, has committed to UCLA. Acheampong has yet to be rated in 247Sports’ transfer rankings, although he was a consensus four-star prospect in the class of 2023, rating as the No. 179 player nationally, No. 23 defensive lineman, and No. 15 player from California.
“I’m very excited to be back home,” said Acheampong, a senior at Rancho Santa Margarita (Calif.) Santa Margarita. “This is a fantastic opportunity for me here at UCLA.”
“UCLA was the first to notice me and the first to offer me a full year before anyone else.” I’ve always had terrific friends at UCLA, and there’s nothing like returning home.”
He explained that the choice was motivated by a desire to be closer to relatives.
“Having family and friends around me is big but I also get to play for one of the best defensive line coaches in the country,” Acheampong said in a statement. “(Defensive coordinator and defensive line/outside linebackers coach) Ikaika Malloe is an excellent coach who excels at developing edge rushers.”
“We had a great relationship in high school, so I’m really looking forward to working with him.” He knows me as a person, not just a player, so he’s more than a coach, and I believe there will be plenty of opportunities to play the edge position with the twins and (Laiatu) Latu heading to the NFL.”
Back in high school, Miami beat Michigan in a tight recruiting battle, but Acheampong says he never felt at ease in South Florida.
“It was tough at Miami,” Acheampong admitted. “I was never healthy; I arrived injured and required a second surgery in July.”
“On top of that, the two coaches I was closest to during the recruiting process, Kevin Steele and Rod Wright, both left immediately after I arrived.” So I felt a little alone, which is another reason I’m thrilled about UCLA. I’ll be with a lot of individuals I know well, and I know I’ll be well taken care of.”
Acheampong will begin his studies at UCLA later this month.
“Me and my mother are actually driving there as we speak,” Acheampong explained. “It’s a three-day journey from Miami, and we’re currently in Tennessee, so hopefully we’ll be there by Thursday.”
“I’m still not fully recovered, but I’ll be by spring practice.” I just need to get back in shape and rebuild my knee strength, but I’ll get there. I still learned a lot of football principles at Miami, so I’ll be ready.”
Acheampong is a player with a lot of potential, but he may need some time to get there. His senior year was his first playing football since he was a freshman, and he was only able to play in one game.
He tore his meniscus during practice and was forced to miss the rest of the season. He was invited but unable to compete in the Under Armour All-America Game, therefore he still lacks game experience.
Having said that, his potential is enormous. We’ve gone over his backstory several times, but it’s worth reiterating.
He arrived to the United States as a basketball player, enrolling in Anaheim (Calif.) Fairmont Prep. He also played football that year and showed promise, but his school shut down the football program his sophomore year owing to Covid, and his gridiron days appeared to be over.
