Elite Recruits Compared to College Stars

Signing day is almost here, and recruits are getting closer to final commitments.

It is an exciting time all around the county as those special high school players get ready to lay pen to paper and make it all official.

This year's recruiting class is a good one, and in some cases great.

On that note, we thought it would be a good idea to compare some of these amazing players getting ready to start their college careers with those who have already made their mark in the FBS.

Let's compare some of the top 50 recruits to current studs in college football.   

Noor Davis

Noor Davis

Outside Linebacker

Leesburg, Fla.

6'4", 225 lbs.

Committed to: Stanford

Compares to: Lavonte David

He plays a bit like Lavonte David, and he is even three inches taller. He will have a lot to do to get to the level of play Mr. David has shown us at Nebraska. 

Nelson Agholor

Nelson Agholor

Wide Receiver

Tampa, Fla.

6'1", 180 lbs

Not yet committed

Compares to: Kendall Wright

He is taller than Wright, but plays with the same kind of athletic ability. Look for Agholor to have a great career wherever he ends up. 

Devin Funchess

Devin Funchess

Tight End

Farmington Hills, Mich.

6'4", 215 lbs

Committed to: Michigan

Compares to: Tyler Eifert 

He is a little smaller than Eifert, but the two have some similarities. It will be interesting to see how Funchess does in that Michigan offense.

Alex Ross

Alex Ross 

Running Back

Jenks, Okla.

6'1", 205 lbs

Committed to: Oklahoma

Compares to: Doug Martin

 

He's powerful and has a nose for the end zone. He runs with power and strength.

Bryson Echols

Bryson Echols

Cornerback

DeSoto, Tex.

5'10", 175 lbs

Committed to: Florida State

Compares to: Casey Hayward

 

He plays smart and knows how to stay glued to a receiver. 

P.J. Williams

P.J. Williams

Safety

Ocala, Fla.

6'0", 180 lbs

Committed to: Florida State

Compares to: Jermaine Robinson

He is fast, agile and aggressive. He plays with heart, just like Robinson. 

Amari Cooper

Amari Cooper

Wide Receiver

Miami, Fla.

6'1", 185 lbs.

Committed to: Alabama

Compares to: Sammy Watkins

He has a long way to go to be as good as Sammy Watkins, but he does have some similar qualities.

Vadal Alexander

Vadal Alexander 

Offensive Guard

Buford, Ga.

6'5", 320 lbs.

Committed to: LSU

Compares to: Will Blackwell

 

Big, strong and tough. He will probably be the replacement for Blackwell.

Cyrus Jones

Cyrus Jones 

Athlete

Baltimore, Md.

5'11", 185 lbs

Committed to: Alabama

Compares to: Tyrann Mathieu

 

A few glimpses of greatness, but he still has a ways to go to be near Mathieu. 

Thomas Johnson

Thomas Johnson

Wide Receiver

Dallas, Texas

6'0", 180 lbs.

Committed to: Not yet committed

Compares to: Jordan White

If you have ever seen Jordan White from Western Michigan play, you know he is a great athlete. Look for Thomas to be that kind of player as well.

Arik Armstead

Arik Armstead

Offensive Tackle

Elk Grove, Calif.

6'7", 280 lbs.

Committed to: Not yet committed

Compares to: Matt Kalil

These big guys just keep getting bigger. It will be interesting to see how much more Armstead develops wherever he ends up. 

Brandon Greene

Brandon Greene

Offensive Tackle

Ellenwood, Ga.

6'5", 285 lbs.

Committed to: Alabama

Compares to: Barrett Jones

 

It is a good thing Greene is going to Alabama. He can become the next Barrett Jones.

Trey Williams

Trey Williams

Running Back

Houston, Texas

5'8", 180 lbs.

Committed to: Texas A&M

Compares to: Bobby Rainey

 

Smaller than Rainey, but agile and quick just like him.

John Theus

John Theus

Offensive Tackle

Jacksonville, Fla.

6'6", 295 lbs.

Committed to: Georgia

Compares to: Levy Adcock

Another monster in the middle. Look for Theus to be the same kind of force as Adcock someday. 

Ronald Darby

Ronald Darby

Cornerback

Oxon Hill, Md.

5'11", 175 lbs.

Committed to: Not yet committed

Compares to: Deron Wilson

When you watch him play, he looks a bit like Wilson from Southern Miss.

Jabari Ruffin

Jabari Ruffin

Outside Linebacker

Downey, Calif.

6'3", 230 lbs

Committed to: USC

Compares to: Chase Thomas

Again, this guy may not be as good as the player he is compared to, but give him time. Look for Ruffin to be a great success at USC. 

Andrus Peat

Andrus Peat

Offensive Tackle

Tempe, Ariz.

6'7", 275 lbs.

Committed to: Not yet committed

Compares to: Riley Reiff

Strong and steady, look for Peat to be a starter right away, no matter where he ends up. 

Reggie Ragland

Reggie Ragland

Inside Linebacker

Madison, Ala.

6'3", 245 lbs.

Committed to: Alabama

Compares to: Luke Kuechly

He plays a bit like Kuechly from Boston College. However, he might even end up being a better player than that. He has tons of potential, size, speed and toughness.

Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick

Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick

Tight End

Rocklin, Calif.

6'4", 261 lbs.

Committed to: USC

Compares to: Orson Charles

This guy plays like Charles, and he is even a bit bigger. Look for great things from Cope-Fitzpatrick. However, how will they fit that name on the jersey? 

Oh wait... they don't have names on them.

Jay Guillermo

Jay Guillermo

Center

Maryville, Tenn.

6'3", 292 lbs

Committed to: Clemson

Compares to: Ben Jones 

He is about the same size as Ben Jones from Georgia. He also has similar movement. 

Angelo Jean-Louis

Angelo Jean-Louis

Wide Receiver

Wellington, Fla.

6'0", 185 lbs.

Committed to: Miami

Compares to: Robert Woods

He is quick and fast just like Woods, and similar size. However, he has a ways to go to be the next Robert Woods.    

Chris Black

Chris Black

Wide Receiver

Jacksonville, Fla.

5'11", 170 lbs.

Committed to: Alabama

Compares to: Ryan Broyles

Remember the name Chris Black. He is going to make his mark in the college game. 

Channing Ward

Channing Ward

Defensive End

Aberdeen, Miss.

6'4", 245 lbs.

Committed to: Ole Miss

Compares to: Sam Montgomery

He is exactly the same size as Montgomery, and plays in similar fashion. Ole Miss could use a lot of help, and Ward will bring some. 

Shaq Thompson

Shaq Thompson 

Safety

Sacramento, Calif.

6'2", 210 lbs

Committed to: California

Compares to: Michael Thomas

 

He is a solid player, and will make a good impression at California. 

T.J. Millweard

T.J. Millweard

Quarterback

Fort Worth, Texas

6'4", 225 lbs.

Committed to: UCLA

Compares to: Case Keenum

 

Millweard has a strong arm and is an accurate passer.

He looks and plays a lot like Keenum. 

Josh Harvey-Clemons

Josh Harvey-Clemons

Outside Linebacker

Valdosta, Ga.

6'4", 210 lbs.

Committed to: Not yet committed

Compares to: Dont'a Hightower

Harvey-Clemons is about fifty pounds lighter than Hightower, but he plays with as big of a heart. Look for this recruit to make a mark anywhere. 

Dalton Santos

Dalton Santos 

Inside Linebacker

Van, Texas

6'2", 240 lbs.

Committed to: Tennessee

Compares to: Courtney Upshaw

Santos is a strong player with size and smarts. Look for his career to start right away. He may start as a true freshman. 

T.J. Yeldon

T.J. Yeldon

Running Back

Daphne, Ala.

6'1", 210 lbs.

Committed to: Alabama

Compares to: David Wilson

He is athletic, acrobatic, fast, and strong. What else could you ask for in a running back?

Look for Yeldon to make quite a stir in 2012.

Yuri Wright

Yuri Wright

Cornerback

Ramsey, N.J.

6'1", 185 lbs

Committed to: Colorado

Compares to: Conroy Black

Yuri Wright plays like Conroy Black from Utah. Look for this guy to have a significant impact right away. 

Chad Kelly

Chad Kelly

Quarterback

Buffalo, N.Y.

6'3", 205 lbs

Committed to: Clemson

Compares to: Brandon Weeden

He is a good passer, and moves well when needed. If you watch the film he looks a lot like Weeden, and even makes the same kind of decisions.

Look for this guy to go far at Clemson. 

D.J. Humphries

D.J. Humphries

Offensive Tackle

Charlotte, N.C.

6'6", 275 lbs.

Committed to: Florida

Compares to: Nate Potter

Humphries looks and plays like Nate Potter from Boise State. They are both big, strong, and steady.

Look for Humphries to have the same type of career Potter did. 

Isaac Seumalo

Isaac Seumalo 

Offensive Guard

Corvallis, Ore.

6'3", 280 lbs.

Committed to: Oregon State

Compares to: Kevin Zeitler

Not quite as big as Zeitler, Seumalo is however just as aggressive. He is a hometown hero, and look for him to make it count.

Eddie Williams

Eddie Williams 

Athlete

Panama City, Fla.

6'4", 210 lbs.

Committed to: Alabama

Compares to: Dwayne Allen

Eddie Williams looks a lot like Dwayne Allen from Clemson. It will be interesting to see if Alabama uses this guy in a tight end role or wide receiver, or maybe even somewhere on defense. 

Malcom Brown

Malcom Brown

Defensive Tackle

Brenham, Texas

6'2", 285 lbs.

Committed to: Texas

Compares to: John Simon

Brown is a little bigger than Simon, but plays very similar. He should find his way into the starting lineup quickly in his career.

Rushel Shell

Rushel Shell

Running Back

Aliquippa, Pa.

5'11", 215 lbs.

Committed to: Pittsburgh

Compares to: Montee Ball

He is powerful, athletic and relentless. You don't want to be on the receiving end of a bomb shell. He hammers people just like Ball. 

Gunner Kiel

Gunner Kiel

Quarterback

Columbus, Ind.

6'3", 215 lbs.

Committed to: Notre Dame

Compares to: Bryn Renner

He has a very good arm and good size. Now that he has made up his mind, it will be interesting to see how he develops for the Irish.

Eddie Goldman

Eddie Goldman

Defensive Tackle

Washington, D.C.

6'4", 310 lbs

Committed to: Not yet committed

Compares to: Aaron Donald

Goldman is bigger than Donald, but it will be a while before he plays at that level. He has splashes of greatness, but will need better technique to be mentioned with Donald.

However, there is something similar if you watch them both play. 

Tanner Mangum

Tanner Mangum

Quarterback

Eagle, Idaho

6'3", 190 lbs.

Committed to: BYU

Compares to: Andrew Luck

He is smart, big, a great passer, and he can run. He passed over Boise State to play for the Cougars. However, don't look for him any time soon. He will first complete a Mormon mission before playing at BYU.

Look for Mangum to begin his career in 2014. 

Tracy Howard

Tracy Howard

Cornerback

Miramar, Fla.

5'11", 175 lbs.

Committed to: Not yet committed

Compares to: Johnny Adams

Howard looks like Adams on the field as far as size goes. He is also quick, fast and plays smart like Adams. 

Travis Blanks

Travis Blanks

Safety

Tallahassee, Fla.

6'1", 195 lbs.

Committed to: Clemson

Compares to: Eric Russell 

Blanks plays a lot like Eric Russell of Middle Tennessee. They are both aggressive and agile. Look for some immediate impact from Blanks.    

Zach Kline

Zach Kline

Quarterback

Danville, Calif.

6'2", 205 lbs.

Committed to: California

Compares to: Matt Barkley

He is agile, has a great arm and makes good decisions. His play looks a lot like Barkley's, but he will have to develop a lot more to have that kind of a career. 

Davonte Neal

Davonte Neal

Athlete

Scottsdale, Ariz.

5'10", 175 lbs.

Committed to: Not yet committed

Compares to: Morris Claiborne

If you watch Neal, there is a certain way he plays that reminds you of Morris Claiborne.

Who knows how he will be used and in what system? One thing is for sure, Davonte Neal is versatile.

Landon Collins

Landon Collins

Safety

Geismar, La.

6'0", 210 lbs.

Committed to: Alabama

Compares to: Bacarri Rambo 

He is powerful, and he makes great decisions. He sticks to receivers like glue, and has great make up speed.

Jonathan Bullard

Jonathan Bullard

Defensive End

Shelby, N.C.

6'4", 255 lbs.

Committed to: Florida

Compares to: Jake Bequette

Big, strong and plays angry. That's what you want from your defensive end. Look for him to make an impact fairly soon in Florida. 

Keith Marshall

Keith Marshall

Running Back

Raleigh, N.C.

5'11", 190 lbs.

Committed to: Georgia

Compares to: LaMichael James

To be compared to LaMichael James, you had better be great. Marshall is great. He plays a lot like James, and is even a bit bigger. He should have a good career at Georgia. 

Dorial Green-Beckham

Dorial Green-Beckham 

Wide Receiver

Springfield, Mo.

6'6", 220 lbs.

Committed to: Not yet committed

Compares to: Justin Blackmon

This guy is big, really big, bigger than Blackmon but strong and athletic just like him. He is very similar to Mr. Blackmon in the way he plays, but he will have a ways to go to play at that level. 

Noah Spence

Noah Spence

Defensive End

Harrisburg, Pa.

6'4", 245 lbs.

Committed to: Ohio State

Compares to: Whitney Mercilus

He has size, power and heart. He plays a bit like Whitney Mercilus. Look for him to make an impact for the Buckeyes.

Jameis Winston

Jameis Winston

Quarterback

Hueytown, Ala.

6'4", 195 lbs.

Committed to: Florida State

Compares to: Robert Griffin III

A true dual threat quarterback, just like Griffin. He can run on a moments notice and make a defense pay for over pursuit. Look for his impact to be great for Florida State. 

Johnathan Gray

Johnathan Gray

Running Back

Aledo, Texas

5'10", 205 lbs.

Committed to: Texas

Compares to: Trent Richardson

He has the same kind of strength, power and great open field ability like Trent Richardson does. Gray will certainly be a success in Texas. 

Mario Edwards

Mario Edwards

Defensive End

Denton, Texas

6'4" 297 lbs.

Committed to: Florida State

Compares to: Melvin Ingram

Just like Ingram, Edwards is athletic, powerful and fast. It should be fun to watch Edwards continue to develop. Who knows how good he will become?