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ESPN Staff Writer- National recruiting analyst and analyst for ESPNU
- More than a decade of college and pro coaching experience.
- Graduated from Indiana and Nebraska-Omaha
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ESPN Analyst- Senior National Recruiting Analyst for ESPN.com
- Coached in four professional football leagues
- Graduated from Eastern Kentucky and Marshall
As the early signing period is all but wrapped up and the top players from the class of 2024 have made their final decisions, it's time to look ahead to 2025's top prospects.
These players will have more complete junior season evaluations, and we'll update the 2025 player rankings in January, but for now, we can provide reasonable comparisons for the top players at each position.
There can be a multitude of reasons why comparisons between players are made -- measurables, skill sets or just simple body movements. These assessments are made to give an idea of what prospects might look like at the next level and what their early impact could be.
Here's a look at the top positional prospects in the 2025 class and who we compare them with:
Quarterback
ESPN Junior 300 ranking: 1
These two are built almost identically to each other at the same stage. They have good height and a wiry, but sturdy, lean build. Their biggest similarity might be arm strength and natural wrist velocity on the ball. Both players can drive the football vertically with good power and a ball that finishes. Neither are true dual threats, but both can run and make plays with their legs. They have really good initial quickness in the pocket to evade and extend plays.
Sit back and watch Bryce Underwood work 🎯 @BryceUnderwoo16
— The Underclassman Report (@TheUCReport) May 12, 2023
A great camp showing at UA Next in Columbus last weekend prior to claiming to the No. 1 spot in the ESPN Jr. 300 📈 @CraigHaubert @TomLuginbill @DemetricDWarren @UANextFootball | #UANext pic.twitter.com/AOABPkEChw
Running back
ESPN Junior 300 rank: 16
Comparison: Jawhar Jordan, Louisville
In reality, there isn't a true comparison to a current player in terms of Berry's top-end speed. Most top receivers don't run a laser-timed 4.37-second 40-yard dash or a 10.5-second 100. As a running back, Berry is rare. He and Jordan share the same stature and game traits: Undersized scatbacks who are ideal for zone schemes and will win footraces once at the second level. They both have sudden change-of-direction and lateral agility to make people miss in confined spaces.
Wide receiver
Dakorien Moore (LSU commit)
ESPN Junior 300 rank: 4
Comparison: Evan Stewart, Texas A&M (currently in the transfer portal)
Both Moore and Stewart are lean, smooth, speedy and explosive. Their foot quickness and sudden ability to shift gears make them dangerous route runners able to create separation consistently against top-level competition. They are equally fast, but Moore might have just a bit more first-step explosiveness into and out of breaks.
Dakorien Moore (@thereal_kori2x) wants all the smoke 😤
— The Underclassman Report (@TheUCReport) June 24, 2023
Balling out at Future 50 😈 #UANext pic.twitter.com/EmXvgZTRrz
Tight end
Elyiss Williams (Georgia commit)
ESPN Junior 300 rank: 18
Comparison: Darnell Washington, Georgia/Steelers
It's easy to understand why Georgia would move early on Williams as he shares similarities with a former Bulldog. At 6-foot-7, both are towering players at the position. Williams is not quite as thickly built but has room to fill out and grow into a key asset as a blocker in Georgia's run game. He might be a bit lighter than Washington at the same stage, but he has shown he can be an aggressive blocker with good feet. Both are big targets in the passing game, with Williams being a little more of a natural pass-catcher and potentially more productive as a receiver.
Offensive line
ESPN Junior 300 rank: 2
Comparison: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Virginia/Jets (retired)
Ferguson entered college a little over 20 years ago, but when watching Sanders, that was the first player to come to mind. Sanders, a five-star recruit, has excellent height and length with a wingspan measuring 81 inches. He also has a lean build, and physically, he is reminiscent of the 2006 first-round NFL draft pick when he came out of high school. Despite his build, there is good strength and tenacity in his play, and like Ferguson, Sanders possesses excellent flexibility and mobility.
Defensive end
ESPN Junior 300 rank: 17
Comparison: JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State
The natural comparison here would be his brother A.J., who plays for the Buffalo Bills. While they are both excellent football players, Iose doesn't quite have his brother's size and length, so he better reminds us of Tuimoloau. Thickly built, both move very well for their size. Both are explosive off the ball, have good body control and active hands, and can win with power to defend the run as well as drive blockers back to get to the QB.
Defensive tackle
ESPN Junior 300 rank: 3
Comparison: Maason Smith, LSU
Griffin is a big body who moves better than he should, which allows him to be a disruptive force. He is explosive off the ball and can utilize power to control blockers and plays with good leverage. Once he sheds and gets free, he can redirect and close well. Smith was a little bigger at the same stage and not quite as consistent, but when clicking on all cylinders, he was impressive in his ability to move and be dominant. Griffin is capable of wreaking havoc and seems to be better utilizing his physical tools. If he can continue to do so, Griffin can be more of an impact presence at the college level.
Linebacker
ESPN Junior 300 rank: 12
Comparison: Chop Robinson, Penn State
Walker can seem to be all over the field, with the ability to make plays on both defense and offense as a linebacker and running back. In that way, he reminds us a bit of current LSU LB Harold Perkins. But in terms of style of play, we feel a better comparison is Robinson. Walker is a bit more versatile, but as an edge presence much like the Nittany Lions defender, Walker is explosive and can bend well and win with speed. When they simply can't run past blockers or need to defend the run, neither is afraid to throw his bodies around and fight to make the play. Both also possess good motors and the agility to be factors in pursuit.
Cornerback
CB: Na'eem Offord
ESPN Junior 300: 5
Comparison: Terrion Arnold, Alabama
Offord might be a bit taller, but both players have length, height and fluid flexibility. One thing that stands out on film is their play speed. Both players' testing times are more than adequate, but if you watch them on film, you would think they posted better times because of how fast they play. While Offord is projected on defense, both he and Arnold are huge playmakers with the ball in their hands. They could be true receivers as well.
Na'eem Offord (@OffordNaeem) made plays all over the field last week, including this big interception 👀
— The Underclassman Report (@TheUCReport) September 5, 2023
He's the No. 6 ranked prospect in the ESPN Jr. 300 and already committed to the UA All-America game 🔥 @CraigHaubert @TomLuginbill @DemetricDWarren
pic.twitter.com/kY5iagcHpp
Safety
ESPN Junior 300 rank: 11
Comparison: Lewis Cine, Georgia/Vikings
Watching Cine on film between his junior and senior season, he was a raw, long, thin player with ability and high upside. That's what Pickett has. You don't always see great consistency yet, but there are flashes. Both players, at this level, just line up, high-point the coverage and fill the alley in run support. Cine was a little more physical and a better tackler at the same stage.
Athlete
ESPN Junior 300 rank: 20
Comparison: Malachi Corley, Western Kentucky
Sparks likely projects to offense. He is a big, physical presence like Corley who can move the chains in chunks with the ball in his hands. Sparks moves and is built like a tall RB. Both are good on contested deep balls but are even more difficult to handle in the open field. Neither will consistently win footraces, but they will break tackles and beat you with deceptive speed.