DeAndre Bidden: The Freshman Phenom Drawing Big-Time Offers and Big-Time Comparisons

At just 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, DeAndre Bidden is already making his mark on the Michigan High School football scene. The Harper Woods freshman has exploded onto the national radar, earning offers from some of the biggest names in college football, like blue blood programs Michigan and Alabama. During the summer, Bidden began to catch the eye of other FBS programs like Auburn, Mississippi State, Indiana, Michigan State, Purdue, and Toledo. His early success, even as a freshman, had our URA scouts buzzing, with many comparing his play to NFL stars CeeDee Lamb and DeAndre Hopkins for his knack for making contested catches and his ability to shine in one-on-one situations.

Bidden’s wiry frame allows him to play with a rare fluidity for a freshman. His route-running is polished, allowing him to create separation, while his speed enables him to get vertical quickly. He easily chews up ground, leveraging his athleticism and body control to beat defenders. What sets him apart is his versatility, being a true athlete who can easily play multiple positions on offense and defense. His ability to change gears without any wasted motion is a trait that caught our eye at this year’s Sound Mind Sound Body National Combine at Wayne State.

Though he still needs to receive stars from 247 Sports or On3.com, we believe he is a 5-star athlete based on our metrics scores. His play on the field is already generating chatter, and he is an elite athlete who could be the best in his class at his position. Yet, based on our assessment, both Sound Mind Sound Body (SMSB) National Prospect Combine and during seven-on-seven play, we graded him a 96 score with a URA 5-star ranking.

To Bidden’s advantage, he is a member of one of the best football programs, Sound Mind Sound Body (SMSB) Academy, run by Curtis Blackwell. Known for its athletic and personal development, SMSB prides itself on developing its athletes’ minds, bodies, spirits, and characters. Thus, it has produced multiple starred high school athletes, college standouts, and NFL alums.

As for Bidden, he is a gamer who relishes the challenge of competing against the best. His body is already ahead of the curve, showing a frame and skill set that can seamlessly transition into college level in a few years and be competitive. Bidden’s recruiting stock is skyrocketing, and the comparisons to NFL stars underscore the immense potential he carries, sparking excitement for what’s to come.

As his freshman season at Harper Woods continues, it’s only a matter of time before Bidden cements his place as one of the nation’s top prospects. Stay tuned as this young phenom’s journey unfolds.

2024 SOUND MIND SOUND BODY – NATIONAL COMBINE AT WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY

2024 SOUND MIND SOUND BODY HIGH SCHOOL 7V7 @ WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY