Comparisons of College Football Recruits to Current NFL Players: Midwest Edition
In college football recruiting, comparisons are inevitable. This week, Rivals is going region by region to compare some of the top high school prospects to current NFL players. In today’s article, we take a closer look at the Midwest region and the players who have drawn comparisons to established NFL stars.
Nicholas Marsh – Amari Cooper
One player who has made waves this summer is Nicholas Marsh, who recently rejoined the Michigan State recruiting class. Marsh is considered the crown jewel of the class so far, as coach Mel Tucker aims to lead the program to a bounce-back season.
What sets Marsh apart is his combination of size and athleticism. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 210 pounds, he poses a matchup nightmare for defenders. His larger frame and body control allow him to win 50-50 balls against opposing defensive backs. Additionally, he has shown improvement in his top-end speed throughout his high school career.
Comparisons have been drawn between Marsh and Amari Cooper, a complete receiver known for his ability to haul in a lot of passes. Both players have the potential to change the game in the vertical passing game as well. Marsh has the opportunity to follow in Cooper’s footsteps and make a significant impact at Michigan State.
Daniel Kaelin – Andy Dalton
Another player who has had a standout summer is Daniel Kaelin, a quarterback commit for Nebraska. Kaelin played an integral role in kickstarting Nebraska’s recruiting momentum this summer and earned recognition for his accuracy at the Elite11 camp.
Kaelin’s game is characterized by a steady presence and consistency, which has drawn comparisons to former TCU standout and current Carolina Panthers quarterback, Andy Dalton. While Kaelin may not possess standout traits, he also doesn’t exhibit any glaring weaknesses. A quarterback like Kaelin, who can consistently win games, is exactly what coach Matt Rhule is hoping for at Nebraska.
Jordan Marshall – Miles Sanders
Jordan Marshall, a four-star running back, had an impressive junior season, rushing for 1,951 yards and 34 touchdowns. He led his high school team to the playoff semifinals and a 13-2 record, showcasing his ability to be highly productive.
Marshall draws comparisons to former Penn State star running back, Miles Sanders, who amassed over 4,500 rushing yards in Pennsylvania’s prep ranks. While neither back possesses elite measurables, both excel at running with great pad level and power, resulting in significant production. With good vision and heading to Ann Arbor, Marshall has the potential to continue the legacy of great running backs under coach Jim Harbaugh and become a future NFL Draft pick.
Garrett Stover – Eric Kendricks
Garrett Stover, a four-star linebacker commit for Ohio State, has already established himself as one of the top linebackers in the nation, receiving over 20 scholarship offers. Stover possesses verified track speed and began his career playing safety.
Stover’s playing style and potential versatility have drawn comparisons to Eric Kendricks, who started as a three-star prospect at UCLA but developed into the winner of the Butkus Award for the country’s top linebacker in 2014. Kendricks is known for his sideline-to-sideline range and scheme versatility. While Stover will need to make further progress in the weight room to live up to the comparison, his traits indicate the potential to be a tackle machine for the Buckeyes.
Terhyon Nichols – Kendall Fuller
Kentucky secured a significant commitment from Terhyon Nichols, a cornerback prospect from the Midwest. Nichols stands at 6-foot and weighs 180 pounds, indicating the potential to excel in the physically demanding SEC. With long arms and a frame that allows for future muscle gain, he may even see playing time at safety.
Nichols draws comparisons to Kendall Fuller, a former playmaker at Virginia Tech who overcame injuries and reached the NFL. Fuller is known for his risk-taking tendencies, which have paid off throughout his successful eight-year NFL career. Similar to Fuller, Nichols possesses good length to disrupt pass catchers and make plays. With the opportunity to develop under strong coaching at Kentucky, Nichols has the potential to become a future NFL Draft pick.
Conclusion
Comparisons are a natural part of college football recruiting, providing fans and analysts with insights into the potential of each prospect. In the Midwest region, players like Nicholas Marsh, Daniel Kaelin, Jordan Marshall, Garrett Stover, and Terhyon Nichols have drawn comparisons to established NFL stars. As these high school prospects continue their journeys to the college level, fans eagerly anticipate seeing if they can fulfill the promise and potential of their comparisons.
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