Mid-South Spotlight: Comparing top prospects with NFL stars

Prospect comparisons are at all times a subject of dialog, and this week it is time to take a step again and examine a few of the present high-profile prospects to some faculty or NFL stars.

First, listed here are 5 comparisons for a few of the prime recruits within the southern area.

THIS SERIES: Evaluating East Coast stars to NFL gamers

Keelan Russell had one of many largest inventory will increase within the 2025 class this offseason. Evaluating Russell and up to date Heisman winner and No. 2 NFL draft choose Jayden Daniels, there’s rather a lot in frequent. Each are 6-foot-4 and within the 180-pound vary. Though Daniels is the sooner runner, the 2 are practically equivalent in pace, particularly their monitor occasions. Daniels’ junior 12 months 400 meters (50.54) and Russell’s junior 400 meters (50.29) are inside three-tenths of a second of one another.

Every pair additionally encompasses a fast launch and elite accuracy. Russell had a 74.1 p.c completion charge as a junior, whereas Daniels had a 72.2 p.c completion charge in his Heisman profitable season.

Russell is not that superior a runner at this level, however there’s an opportunity he’ll proceed to develop that talent set on the faculty degree.

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There is a quite simple motive these two are in the identical class: pace. Taking a look at their physiques, they every weighed round 6-foot-2, 210 kilos earlier than coming into faculty. Additionally, every of them has elite pace. Simmons clocked a 4.39 40, whereas Ross edged him with a 4.34 40-second time.

Simmons was slated as a backup when he arrived at Clemson, however his dimension and elegance of play led to him taking part in extra of an out of doors linebacker position, making him a jack of all trades, taking part in all three ranges at completely different occasions. Ross suits that mould as he had 71 tackles, six sacks and two interceptions as a junior.

Ross has sufficient pace and athleticism to play security and even within the slot, however that permits him to play the surface linebacker position to play each man and zone, in addition to attending to the quarterback at occasions.

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Stewart is the No. 1 prospect within the nation and a bodily freak on the defensive position, so there will not be many choices as legit contributors. The selection can be Chris Jones. Stewart’s metrics now and Jones’ within the NFL are about as related as you’ll find.

Each are 6-foot-6 with 34.5-inch arms and a wingspan distinction of 84 inches for Stewart and 85 inches for Jones. Stewart at present weighs 277 kilos towards Jones’ 310-pound NFL weight. Stewart’s body will be capable to help 300-plus kilos.

Stewart tasks as a next-level 3-tech with the power to maneuver in sure packages to change into a troublesome benefit. Inside passing is changing into a premium place in any respect ranges, and Stewart suits the invoice for groups.

The comparability between McCoy and Phillips is essentially primarily based on dimension. McCoy is a 6-foot-7 move rusher who does not stroll rather a lot. Phillips is 6-foot-6, and whereas he performed extra of a linebacker in highschool, after he placed on weight in faculty, he helped out extra within the grime at common base, the place McCoy will play.

McCoy has proven pace and pass-rushing expertise in camp in addition to Friday evening. He has additionally proven that he could make an influence on protection.

As McCoy builds his passing arsenal over the following two years, his size and dimension will permit him to change into the primary playmaker on the defensive position.

Discovering a precise comparability for Berry is an attention-grabbing activity. Wanting on the NFL, the simple reply for probably the most dynamic working again is McCaffrey. Within the secondary, Berry is the reply for probably the most dynamic working again. Whereas the 49ers’ star playmaker is a bit of heavier, the talent units comply with the identical strains.

Berry’s elusiveness is simple, as is his pace and imaginative and prescient when the ball is in his palms. Berry had 2,080 yards and 37 touchdowns on the bottom, together with 401 receiving yards and 7 extra touchdowns on simply 20 catches. McCaffrey is named an elite receiving menace, as Berry has confirmed his value in that division within the 7-on-7 scene.

McCaffrey can take over a recreation from the working again place, which isn’t any simple activity in such a fleeting period. Berry’s talent set and athletic profile lead me to consider he might have an identical model on the subsequent degree.

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