My guess is the culture of ISU was not to his liking. That is not a slam to ISU. It is just a matter of being in an environment and program he feels more comfortable in. No different than a kid from a metroplex having problems adjusting to small cities like Ames. The thug/hip-hop environment is not for everyone.
if Collin has the ability to be an NFL player, he will get his opportunity. Attending and playing at NW does not hurt his chances at all. No different than Xavier Omon, Dave Tollofsen, Chris Greisen, Seth Wand, Josh Baker, Chad Kilgore, Travis Chappalear, or Tyler Shaw. All of whom were on NFL payrolls in the last two years. The last three were signed as PFAs after their senior campaign in 2012. Tollofsen with a SB ring with Giants prior to being released by the Raiders recently.
The MIAA and Northwest have reputations known to the NFL. The difference is that the players are vetted more thoroughly. Like Brandon Williams of Missouri Southern going in the 3rd round this year and David Bass of Missouri Western going in the 7th. There were more drafted out of the MIAA last year than The Valley. The conference that UNI hails from that should have beaten Iowa, and played Wisconsin tough for a long while last year. And the same division as South Dakota that beat Minnesota two years ago.
In short, Collin is not all of a sudden denied the opportunity to play in the NFL. Further, there are quite a few at Northwest that could help ISU, truth be known. Not only that, it was two years ago the ISU staff visited Northwest to get some insight as to what Northwest was doing defensively.
Some eyes would be opened and some ignorance shed some light if those that comment on something they have no exposure to if they attended a Pitt vs. Northwest game or walk by these players on the field after a game. Or a Northwest vs. Missouri Western game. A respect would be garnered.
Collin apparently feels that Northwest is a better fit. Many there feel the same way. It really is a special place where football is concerned with a level of play that would surprise if seen first hand. There are half dozen players on the NFL radar on each senior class. Maybe only 3 get signed in that class like the 2012 senior football class.
It is unfair to rip on a program, university, or a level of play you have not seen. A gameday in Maryville is some pretty neat stuff.