Prospect comparisons always generate a lot of discussion, and with the 2025 and 2026 ranking sessions starting this week, it’s a good time to take a step back and compare some of the current standout prospects to some college or NFL stars.
First up, five comparisons of some of the best recruits in the South Central region.
This series: Comparing East Coast stars to NFL players
Kieron Russell-Jayden Daniels
Keelon Russell had one of the biggest stock gains in the 2025 offseason. Comparing Russell to recent Heisman Trophy winner and NFL No. 2 overall pick Jaden Daniels, there are a lot of similarities. Both are 6 feet 4 inches tall and weigh around 180 pounds. While Daniels is the better runner, the two are nearly identical in speed, especially their track times. Daniels’ junior 400-meter time (50.54) and Russell’s junior 400-meter time (50.29) were less than three-tenths of a second apart.
The pair also features a quick release and excellent accuracy. Russell had a completion rate of 74.1% as a junior, while Daniels had a completion rate of 72.2% in his Heisman Trophy-winning season.
Russell isn’t that advanced as a runner right now, but it’s possible he can develop that skill more at the college level.
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Charles Ross – Isaiah Simmons
There’s a very simple reason why these two fall into the same category: speed. Looking at their physiques, they were both approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighed 210 pounds before entering college. They also each possess elite speed. Simmons posted a test time of 4.39 40, while Rose beat him with a 4.34 40.
Simmons was deployed as a safety when he arrived at Clemson, but his size and playing style saw him play more of an outside linebacker role, making him a jack-of-all-trades who played at all three levels at different times. . Ross fits that mold, totaling 71 tackles, six sacks and two interceptions as a junior.
Ross has enough speed and athleticism to play safety or even in the slot, but allows him to play outside linebacker in both coverage and zone coverage, as well as getting to the quarterback from time to time.
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Jakeem Stewart – Chris Jones
Stewart is the No. 1 prospect in the country and a physical freak on the defensive line, so there won’t be many options as a legitimate backup. The choice will be Chris Jones. Now Stewart and Jones’ metrics at the NFL combine are about as similar as you’ll find.
The two are 6 feet 6 inches tall with 34.5-inch arms and only 1 inch in wingspan, with Stewart at 84 inches and Jones at 85 inches. Stewart currently weighs in at 277 pounds, while Jones’ NFL weight is 310 pounds. Stewart’s frame will be able to handle over 300 pounds.
Stewart plans to be the next level 3 technician, with the ability to move to the outside in some packages, becoming a heavy duty advantage. Interior pass rusher is becoming a senior position at every level, and Stewart fits the mold that teams are looking for.
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Jaylan McCoy – Jaylan Phillips
The comparison between McCoy and Phillips is largely based on size. McCoy is 6-foot-7 and is a pass rusher, but he doesn’t move around much. Phillips is 6-foot-6, and while he played more of an outside linebacker role in high school, he has put more effort into the regular bases since he gained weight in college, while McCoy will play regular base. Hit the ball on the bases.
McCoy showed off his speed and pass-rushing skills in camp and on Friday night. He also showed he can make an impact in run defense.
As McCoy spends the next two years refining his pass-rushing arsenal, his length and size will make him an early playmaker on the defensive line.
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Hallin Berry – Christian McCaffrey
Finding an accurate comparison for Berry was an interesting challenge. Looking across the NFL, the simple answer to the most dynamic running back is McCaffrey. Berry is the most dynamic running back in the high school rankings. While the 49ers star playmaker weighs a little more, his skill set follows the same lines.
Berry’s elusiveness is undeniable, as is his speed and vision with the ball in his hands. Berry had 2,080 yards and 37 touchdowns on the ground while receiving 401 yards and seven additional touchdowns on just 20 catches. McCaffrey is known as an elite receiving threat, and Berry has proven his worth in that area in 7v7 scenarios.
McCaffrey has the ability to take over games from the running back position, which is no easy feat in such a pass-driven era. Berry’s skill set and athleticism lead me to believe he can have a similar style at the next level.
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