This winter, the LSU Football team signed the Nation's 8th ranked recruiting class bringing in 23 recruits. Among the 23 players signed were two five star recruits cornerback DJ Pickett and running back Harlem Berry. In the Five-Stars, LSU gets two potential instant impact players that can help the Tigers immediately as LSU looks to make the expanded 12 team College Football Playoff.
While LSU returns a starting running back in rising Sophomore Caden Durham, the Tigers will likely still deploy Harlem Berry often. This past season showed us how easy the transition can be for a talented running back especially as Caden Durham wasn't an early enrollee.
When you watch Harlem Berry's highlights, the aspect that stands out the most is his speed. Berry won the Fastest Man Competition at the Rivals camp and ran a 4.37 forty-yard dash at UA Next.
Listen man...
— Seth Lewis (@SethLewisInc) October 12, 2024
If you have any doubt why #LSU Commit Harlem Berry is the number 1 RB in the country, I don't know what to tell you.
The St. Martin's star had over 300 yards and 5 touchdowns vs Riverside. His speed is something to behold.@HarlemBerry25 @_StMAthletics pic.twitter.com/kLVX2JZQGf
As Rivals made their final recruiting rankings they also came up with NFL Comparisons for each of the five star recruits and Harlem Berry's comparison was Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane.
Harlem Berry’s NFL comparison: De’Von Achane 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Y6Z21x8Psa
— Rivals (@Rivals) January 24, 2025
The comparison makes a ton of sense as both running back can absolutely fly and if Berry can play to the level of Achane it would be a home run for the Tigers.
The aspect of De'Von Achane's game that is the hardest to emulate is his ability as a receiver as Achane has blossomed into an incredible receiver in the NFL. Given the responsibility running backs have Harlem Berry used the Summer to get better as a receiver and he flashed during the 7 on 7 tournaments and in his High School games.
Nation’s No. 1 RB Harlem Berry at #LSU Camp. https://t.co/pihLJECrHP pic.twitter.com/qgRUFlvq8q
— Billy Embody (@BillyEmbody) June 16, 2023
Berry's speed out of the backfield will make him a nightmare to defend especially if a linebacker gets caught in man coverage. Harlem Berry's ability as a receiver makes him a weapon for LSU rather than a player the Tigers play just to get him experience.