One of the standout commitments for the LSU Tigers in 2025 drew comparisons this week to a prominent NFL player. Marshall Levenson, a national recruiting analyst for Rivals.com, assessed several top recruits for the class of 2025, drawing parallels between them and current NFL stars. Among these comparisons, Levenson likened Harlem Berry, a five-star running back from Metairie, LA, and LSU commit for 2025, to Christian McCaffrey, the dynamic running back for the San Francisco 49ers known for his three Pro Bowl appearances and dominance when healthy.
Levenson noted that while McCaffrey may carry a bit more weight, Berry’s skill set aligns closely with the NFL star’s. Berry’s agility, speed, and field vision are evident when he possesses the ball, evident in his impressive stats of 2,080 rushing yards, 37 touchdowns, along with 401 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on just 20 receptions. Additionally, Berry has showcased his receiving prowess in the 7v7 scene, much like McCaffrey, who is esteemed for his ability as a pass-catching threat.
McCaffrey’s knack for taking over games from the running back position in an era dominated by passing offenses is well-documented. Levenson believes that Berry’s talents and athletic attributes indicate a similar potential for dominance at the collegiate and possibly professional levels. This comparison is particularly thrilling for LSU enthusiasts, given McCaffrey’s remarkable 2019 NFL season with the Carolina Panthers, where he surpassed both 1,300 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards.
While it may be unrealistic to anticipate Berry replicating McCaffrey’s extraordinary numbers, the comparison itself ignites excitement. Even if Berry approaches McCaffrey’s level of productivity, he would pose a significant challenge for opposing defensive coordinators in the SEC. Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 180 lbs, Berry holds the top spot in 247Sports’ composite rankings as the premier running back for the 2025 recruiting class, also securing the 15th overall position nationally.