Davonte Neal: 5 Wide Receivers the Recruit Reminds Us of

National Signing Day was a couple of weeks ago, but that doesn't mean every top prospect in the country has made their final decision. There is a heavily recruited player still trying to decide which team he would like to play for.

That player is cornerback Davonte Neal.

He's a four-star recruit, but he's one of the top players at his position and is a difference-maker on the defensive side of the ball. He's a versatile player who can also play wide receiver, as he runs fantastic routes. With his speed, he could be a great return man, as well.

He's had offers from nearly every top school in the country, but has narrowed the list down to only four schools. We expect a decision to be made sometime on February 21.

We've already broken down his strengths and weaknesses and updated the odds on where he might end up. Here are five wide receivers that the top remaining recruit reminds us of.

Maryland WR Stefon Diggs

If your team missed out on one of this year's top wide receivers in Stefon Diggs, picking up Neal will be a similar fit. Both are extremely fast players that are a threat to take it the distance every time the football is in their hands. You get either one of these guys in the open field, and there's a good chance there's a touchdown that will be scored.

Neal of course runs better routes than Diggs does, but when it comes to the speed and play-making ability, they're about as even as you can get.

New England WR Wes Welker

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Both of these players are about the same exact size around 5'10", 185 pounds. They both have fantastic hands, not afraid to go across the middle and are fantastic special team players. Welker hasn't been much of a factor in returning punts the last couple of years, but when he's actually given the opportunity to return kicks, he can really flip the field position.

There are a lot of similarities between these two receivers, and if Neal is even half as good as Welker, he'll make some lucky team very proud.

Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester

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Devin Hester and Neal both run a 40 in the 4.4 range, which is elite speed that very few players on the field can match. They are also fantastic return men when you put them back there to return kicks, especially punts. But the thing that I see the most between these two players is their versatility.

Hester was originally drafted by Chicago to be a cornerback, but ended up playing wide receiver and a return specialist. Neal will likely end up a wide receiver, but is just as capable of playing the defensive side of the ball as well. 

Having a player that's versatile is an extremely valuable option to have.

Miami Dolphins WR Davone Bess

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Bess and Neal both have a similar small frame under 6'0" and around 185 pounds. They're also receivers that have had to work and earn everything they've received. Just because Neal is rated a top prospect in this year's class doesn't mean he's made it yet. Scouts will still shy away from his size, and Neal will have to do everything in his power to prove them all wrong.

Bess was a huge part of Hawaii's offense the three years he was there, and he didn't go a season without catching over 80 passes. He ended up going undrafted before being picked up by the Miami Dolphins and is now one of the better slot receivers in the NFL.

New York Jets WR Santonio Holmes

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This is the type of receiver I could see Neal being at the next level, and eventually, in the NFL. A receiver that doesn't have great size, but makes up for it with great hands and terrific speed. Neal has the ability to either go across the middle to pick up a tough first down, or he can burn everybody for a deep touchdown. 

Holmes also has the ability to return kicks and punts, but the Jets shy away from using him in special teams. Overall Neal isn't the biggest wide receiver, but has ability to make plays and secure tough catches in traffic which makes him a top offensive weapon.

Randy Chambers is a B/R featured columnist that covers college football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail].