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Seth Collins dives for the endzone in a high school game.

(Courtesy of Seth Collins)

Oregon State has found its quarterback – and it took less than a week.

Although the old staff had looked at 247Sports three-star quarterback Seth Collins during his junior year as a wide receiver and new offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin had recruited him as a quarterback at Colorado State, Collins wasn't a part of the Oregon State recruiting plan until a few days ago.

Suddenly, he's become a big part of the Beavers' future.

Having signed a non-binding financial aid agreement with San Jose State, Collins was set to enroll, but got in contact with Baldwin "three or four days ago" and was offered a scholarship.

The jaw-dropping athlete immediately considered changing his decision.

"When they came in and said they really wanted me up there and they have big things plans for that offense and I was a good fit to come up there and compete, I was really excited," he said. "I feel like it's in my best interests to come up there and play."

On Monday evening, Collins officially announced he had flipped his commitment from San Jose State to Oregon State:

Id like to announce my commitment to oregon st. In jesus name ill further play this game i love pic.twitter.com/2VtoGPKLAl — Seth Collins (@_SethTheGreat) January 6, 2015

"People have a change of heart. Just like they're bringing in different quarterbacks, they are doing what's best for them. I have to do what's best for me and my family," he said. "No hard feelings, but I just feel like this is where God directed my path."

One of the biggest factors in his decision to switch was the opportunity to elevate the level of competition around him.

"It's always been a dream of mine, a goal to play in the Pac-12, play against big-time schools," he said.

Given his plans to enroll early, the dual-threat quarterback said he is planning to move to Corvallis either Tuesday or Wednesday to begin school Thursday. The quick transition means that the 6-foot-3, 170-pound athlete will be available for spring practices.

For Oregon State, Collins' appeal is enhanced by that readiness to compete for a starting spot.

"That's one of the main reasons why they recruited me, because they feel that I could come in there and play," he said. "They have vocalized that they are excited. I'm equally excited, and I'm ready to hop on this opportunity and just get it rolling."

As a senior, Collins threw for 1,013 yards with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions, while also running for 988 yards and 17 scores.

"My dad always says that I'm not a dual-threat, I'm a triple-threat, because I can use my legs, my mind and my arm," he explained. "The main thing I feel like I bring to the table is that I'm a competitor. Anywhere I go, I compete, and I win games."

The de-commitment of quarterback James Pensyl signified a change in philosophy for the Oregon State offense. Collins certainly fits the dual-threat mold – exactly what the new coaching staff is looking for in its next quarterback.

"Obviously, the spot is wide open, but it's up to me and my performance. Everything is performance-based," he said. "So, if I perform like I know I can, it's wide open for the taking."

-- Andrew Nemec | @AndrewNemec