Auburn freshman quarterback draws strong NFL comparison

Deuce Knight was compared to Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. by Rivals

Incoming Auburn freshman quarterback Deuce Knight has been in the spotlight of Tiger fan’s stage for nearly two calendar years now due to his prowess as a high school prospect and “Goldielocks” commitment cycle. With this five-star ranking and high school accolades, Knight is expected to lead a struggling Auburn program out of the mosh pit of mediocrity as soon as next season.

Those expectations, which have seemingly only gotten higher with every passing week of the offseason, may have reached a new height this week. Knight was recently included on Rivals insider Adam Gorney’s “NFL Comparisons” list for high school recruits in 2025. Gorney, who compared 10 five-star recruits set to make their debut next season to current NFL stars, listed Knight next to former Washington Huskie turned first round pick Michael Penix Jr.

Penix Jr. was drafted by the Falcons in 2024 after a very successful college career at Indiana and Washington. The left-handed signal-caller led the Huskies all the way to the National Championship in 2023, but lost to Michigan in the title game. Penix finished as a Heisman finalist that season, throwing for a college football-best 4,903 yards to go along with 36 touchdowns.

Over the course of his six collegiate seasons, the 24-year-old threw 96 touchdown passes, including 67 during his two years in Washington. Those numbers, and a near-Heisman Trophy and National Championship, are heavy expectations to live up to. We’ll see if Knight can come close to the production of his NFL comparison counterpart, although his time to shine may not come until next season with Jackson Arnold all-but-certain to earn the starting quarterback job in 2025.

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