Mel Kiper Jr. Makes Surprise Comparison for USC Rising Star Eric Gentry

Kiper has used the "splendid splinter" reference before.

"You look at him, I always talk about splendid splinters, right? Big Ted Williams fan. Remember, DeVonta Smith was a splendid splinter coming out of Alabama. On the defense, Eric Gentry, you don’t see guys — they’ve got him at 6-6, and I buy that. What’s his weight? 220, 225 [lbs]. He’s got the frame once he gets in the league to put on some pounds to that frame," Kiper began.

But then Kiper pivoted back to football scouting terminology.

"He is an instinctive linebacker who finds the football. Whether it’s getting after the quarterback, whether it’s chasing after the running backs with great lateral quickness,” Kiper said. “Okay? Whatever you’re asking him to do, he’s able to get it done at a high level. He almost intercepted a pass that went through his hands, ended up being a touchdown the other way, this past Saturday [against Purdue].

Gentry leads the Trojans in tackles (21, all solo) and sacks (three).

"This kid pops," Gentry added. "Eric Gentry, who they shade inside, play him outside, gives you that versatility.”

USC Coach Raved About Eric Gentry Before 2025 Season

Kiper isn't the only one raving about the LB.

Gentry earned NFL praise before the 2025 season -- from his future linebackers coach Rob Ryan.

The former league defensive coordinator told Ryan Kartje of the Los Angeles Times back in May that Gentry is so talented, he could match up with All-Pro Brock Bowers right now.

"I’ve never coached a guy who can cover every tight end in the country. He can. All these tight ends like Bowers and all that who are killing people — well, they haven’t seen Gentry," Ryan said.

Gentry can potentially catapult USC back into first round of the draft conversations. The Trojans didn't produce a day one pick last draft, which snapped a five-season streak.