Jalen Hurd vs. Bo Scarbrough: Which 5-Star ATH Is Better?

Jalen Hurd and Bo Scarbrough are two of the better recruits in the 2014 class. Scarbrough is one of the top commitments in Alabama's class, while Hurd is the center of Tennessee's group.

Both prospects are running backs at heart, as they spend most of their time in the offensive backfield. However, they can do an array of things, including play receiver. Their versatility has led many publications to label them athletes, instead of running backs.

Continuing the 5-star recruit scouting battle series, Hurd versus Scarbrough is the latest match up, as there can only be one winner.

Player evaluations are based on review of tape at Scout.com, Rivals, 247Sports and ESPNU.

 

Size

Hurd:

Hurd has outstanding length, as he is 6'3" and 220 pounds. He has good muscle definition in his frame and towers over his competition. Hurd probably will weigh 235-245 pounds before he leaves Knoxville.

Scarbrough:

Scarbrough is long-limbed athlete who stands 6'2" and 225 pounds. He could actually be taller than 6'2", but that is his listed size at 247Sports. He has an impressive frame, as it possess good definition and tone throughout. Scarbrough could weigh more than 240 pounds before he graduates.

Advantage: Push

Vision and Instincts

Hurd:

Hurd has no problems seeing play-side holes. He has the ability to get out of interior traffic jams and shows a knack for seeing secondary holes develop on the second level of the defense. However, Hurd does not display excellent ability to see backside holes. 

Scarbrough:

Scarbrough has good instincts as a runner, as he makes linebackers who over-pursue pay with cutbacks to backside alleys. He reads front-seven alignments, presses play-side holes and will display good patience on running plays to the edges.

Advantage: Scarbrough

Strength and Inside Running Ability

Hurd:

Although Hurd is a 6'3", 220-pound runner, he does not run with the power and strength of a player of his size. Hurd flashes tackle-breaking ability, but his interior-running production stems from quickly slashing through holes and challenging linebackers before they can shoot gaps. He needs to get stronger if we wants to be able to finish runs and push piles at Tennessee.

Scarbrough:

Scarbrough displays impressive strength, as he has no fear running inside the tackles. He can challenge tacklers at the point of attack, has the power to push piles and can break tackles due to his strong legs. Scarbrough has a bit of a one-cut running style, which can be detrimental to defenses.

Advantage: Scarbrough

Speed and Outside Running

Hurd:

This is the area where Hurd shows why he is an elite prospect. He has quick feet, can dance to get to the edges and has the ability to turn the corner on a defense. Hurd has terrific speed, as this big-bodied runner can pull away from defenders in the open field. He is dangerous on perimeter runs, has great elusiveness in the open field and displays a great burst.

Scarbrough:

Scarbrough has good speed, but he is more of a straight-line athlete. He can beat a defender by going north and south, but do not expect much wiggle out of him. He is not a sudden athlete, as he has better build-up speed.

Advantage: Hurd

Versatility

Hurd:

Hurd is a running back who can split out wide, run a limited route tree and catch the football. He could grow into an H-back/tight end or fullback depending on how much bulk he adds. Playing wide receiver on a permanent basis is possible, as Hurd displays great hands, but he will have to carefully watch his weight should he want to play on the perimeter.

Defensively, Hurd could be a solid outside linebacker, but he would be an intriguing option as a free safety.

Scarbrough:

Scarbrough can be viewed a legitimate receiver prospect, as he shows natural movement skills on the outside. He can run several routes, has good hands and his running back skills allow him to make plays after the catch. Scarbrough displays a high ceiling as a kickoff returner. Defensively, he could be a great outside linebacker, but his straight-line athleticism does not project well in the secondary.

Advantage: Hurd

Winner

Although he has superior instincts and strength, Scarbrough is not as elusive or as fast as Hurd.

Both prospects are about the same size, give or take an inch and five pounds, but Hurd has slightly more versatility on both sides of the ball.

This is a tough call, but due to him being a faster and a more versatile player, the winner of this 5-star recruit scouting battle is Hurd.

Edwin Weathersby is the College Football Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. He has worked in scouting/player personnel departments for three professional football teams, including the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.