2025 RB James Simon shows impressive quickness, ball skills
2025 Shreveport (La.) Calvary Baptist running back James Simon landed as the No. 110 overall prospect and No. 8 running back nationally, according to the On300 rankings released Monday.
On3 director of scouting Charles Power likes the combination of size, quickness and pass catching that stands out about Simon.
Simon posted 1,005 yards and 22 touchdowns on 138 carries in 12 games this past season. He also showed off some ability in the pass game, catching nine balls for 122 yards and three touchdowns.
“James Simon is different than Harlem Berry. I think if you’re comparing these guys stylistically, he’s a bigger back,” Power said. “Does not have quite the burst, obviously. Few do of Harlem Berry, but he is a big back who as a runner is probably going to thrive most between the tackles. Much quicker than fast. I think the biggest thing we want to see from him moving forward is just the top gear. I think he is a guy who can play all three downs. He’s a very good pass catcher, you can see that in 7-on-7. I think he’s on the high end just from the ball skills and comfortability in the pass game.”
James Simon, at 6-0, 198 pounds, can do it all for teams. That has programs like LSU, Ole Miss, TCU, Texas A&M and others after him.
“He’s a guy I think can do a lot of different things. Very well-rounded,” Power explained. “Probably doesn’t have the flash or wow factor of some other running backs. A guy you put in your running back room and you can do a lot of different things with him.”
Berry has that verified elite speed, which is what On3 wants to see out of James Simon moving forward.
“We just want to see the top gear, continue to increase his production as a junior, but I think he showed some encouraging signs as a sophomore,” Power added.
Berry, a fellow Louisiana running back, is near the top of the running back rankings. Simon has a chance to make some noise in a loaded 2025 crop of ball carriers.
“We think this group of 2025 running backs at the top is very good at this stage. To be honest, Cody and I came away thinking that the Top 3, who all rank in the Top 20 for us in this initial release, would really contend for the top running back prospect in 2024 as well. At least when you’re looking at long-term potential.”
LSU leads the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine for James Simon over Louisiana Tech, where his brother John Simon is committed, and others.
