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Tom Luginbill, ESPN Analyst
The 2024 college football recruits create excitement and optimism among fans, and a great tool to help introduce the future stars of Saturday is to compare them to some of today’s top players. Who is the next Marvin Harrison Jr.? Who do the top quarterback prospects share similar traits to?
There can be a multitude of reasons why comparisons between players are made — measurables, skill set, simple body movements, etc. These assessments are often made to give readers an idea of what prospects might look like at the next level with a hint of their early impact.
Here’s a look at the top 10 prospects in the 2024 ESPN 300 and the recognizable college players to whom they compare.
2024 ESPN 300 ranking: 1
Commitment: Georgia
Player comparison: Denzel Burke, Ohio State (2021)
Two things come to mind when comparing Robinson to Burke: length and maturity. Every program in America gets excited about cornerbacks that are 6-foot-1 or taller and can be inserted right away to improve their defense.
I was able to watch Burke as a true freshman against Indiana, and not only did he look the part, but he also played like an upperclassman. Robinson has the same instincts for the game and both physical and mental maturity to see the field right away. Another area where these players flourish is in press coverage at the line of scrimmage. They are so physical they can take away half the field.
2024 ESPN 300 ranking: 2
Commitment: Georgia
Player Comparison: Kyle McCord, Ohio State (2021)
Given the state of the quarterback position in college football, it can be difficult to find your more traditional, prototypical passer, which prompted me to go back and watch McCord when he was coming out of high school. He’s expected to have a breakout year when considering the targets he’ll have around him in Columbus — his loaded wide receiver room is led by former ESPN 300 recruits Marvin Harrison Jr., Emeka Egbuka and Julian Fleming.
Both players are classically polished and fundamentally sound. While both would typically be categorized as true pocket players, don’t be fooled, these two can get out of trouble with their feet. Just as McCord is breaking in at Ohio State, Raiola will see a significant uptick in the caliber of competition this fall as he transfers to Buford High School (Georgia).
2024 ESPN 300 ranking: 3
Commitment: Alabama
Player Comparison: Cade Klubnik, Clemson (2022)
The player I wanted to use in this spot was North Carolina’s Drake Maye due to the carefree, “let it rip” playing style, but stature and measurables must come into play, which is why I ultimately chose Klubnik.
There is a swagger to both Sayin and Klubnik, as if nothing phases them, but at the same time, they demonstrate an infectious and fiery leadership demeanor. Both possess a competitive temperament as Klubnik signed with Clemson and ultimately beat out DJ Uiagalelei for the starting QB role in the Capital One Orange Bowl, and Sayin is committed to an Alabama program with a crowded QB room. Once Sayin arrives to Tuscaloosa, he’ll potentially compete for snaps against Jalen Milroe, Tyler Buchner, Ty Simpson and 2023 ESPN 300 recruits Eli Holstein and Dylan Lonergan.
2024 ESPN 300 ranking: 4
Commitment: Alabama
Player Comparison: Kalen King, Penn State (2021)
Mbakwe and King aren’t only just good corners, they are complete football players. King is 5-11, and Mbakwe is 6-foot, but they play like they are bigger because of their toughness. They have the cover skills of a corner but the temperament of a strong safety.
Mbakwe posted a 10.4 100-meter time and is one of the fastest players in this class. King ran a 3.95 20-yard short shuttle in 2020 at an Under Armour camp which is a blazing fast, rare time. These two could play just about any skill position on either side of the ball.
2024 ESPN 300 ranking: 5
Commitment: Tennessee
Player Comparison: Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State (2021)
Matthews’ verified speed is on par with Egbuka, and he could also project to defense, which is why he’s in the ATH category. Both players are extremely fast but also very polished. Egbuka arrived at Ohio State already a crisp route runner for a young player, and Matthews is following right in his footsteps.
Both show an excellent ability to create separation and know how to get open. For Matthews, this is especially impressive since he’s splitting time at safety. Their ability to attack the football and win when contested makes them a downfield threat, even if not wide-open.
ESPN300 Rank: 6
Commitment: Undeclared
Player Comparison: Ruke Orhorhoro, Clemson (2019)
Stone does not quite possess the bulk and point-of-attack strength of Orhorhoro, but that will come with time. When Orhorhoro came out of high school, he was also on the leaner side.
When watching both of these guys, you see two players who could play on the inside and outside. Stone and Orhorhoro could play the five-technique or even defensive end in a pinch and still be disruptive as a pure pass-rusher. Their initial first step off the ball is outstanding, and their motor to finish plays sets them apart.
2024 ESPN 300 ranking: 7
Commitment: Undeclared
Player Comparison: Adisa Isaac, Penn State (2019)
This comparison is made mostly due to stature and measurables. Both players are on the leaner side, especially at the same stage coming out of high school.
Isaac was 210 pounds when he came out of high school in the 2019 class, and Simmons currently weighs 220 pounds. Isaac now weighs 248 pounds, and once Simmons gets entrenched in a college weight training program, he will bulk up quickly, too. Simmons is a pure edge guy right now who gets by on speed and quickness, which Isaac excels at.
2024 ESPN 300 ranking: 8
Commitment: Texas A&M
Player Comparison: Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State (2021)
These two are particularly similar in one area: They possess the unique ability to make people miss after the catch, despite being bigger, longer players. Normally prospects with Harrison and Coleman’s 6-4 stature don’t have much open field agility and explosiveness, but these guys can go.
Coleman timed much faster in the 40-yard dash than Harrison did at the same stage (4.48 and 4.64, respectively), but the quick feet and sudden movements in a short area allows these guys to extend plays. They can go up and get it, and are a nightmare in the red area. These are two complete wide receivers.
2024 ESPN 300 ranking: 9
Commitment: Ohio State
Player Comparison: Cornelius Johnson, Michigan (2019)
Smith ran a blazing 22.08 200-meter this spring, while Johnson ran a verified mid 4.5 40 at the same stage in high school. Aside from their similar speed, the comparison continues with size, strength and a knack for making spectacular catches. They both also share the ability to win as a redzone target when covered and contested tightly.
Given their 6-3 statures, Johnson and Smith are uniquely gifted. They move like smaller wide receivers, making them dangerous in the open field. One of their more impressive traits is the ability to make things look effortless at times.
2024 ESPN 300 ranking: 10
Commitment: Clemson
Player Comparison: Tommy Eichenberg, Ohio State (2019)
It can be tough to find an accurate comparison at the collegiate level for Brown because he is such a diverse and versatile player. But as he projects on defense, Ohio State’s Eichenberg immediately comes to mind.
Brown, a wrestling and track standout at Jefferson High School (Georgia), may be slightly faster and better overall, but as an in-the-box player, these two are eerily similar. They are tough, rugged and instinctive. They play with a high motor and exude leadership qualities. Tackle-to-tackle, Eichenberg and Brown can define the mentality of a defense.