Rinaldo Callaway

Bio

Height 6'5"
Weight 205 lbs
Hometown Macon, GA
High School Southwest
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recruiting

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Class of 2026
#361 National
0.8995 Rating

Scouting Report

A
90 / 100 Ceiling 90 • Floor 82
year 1 contributor NFL Rd 5

Rinaldo Callaway is a high-upside athlete who primarily projects as an EDGE defender but also shows significant promise as a tight end. His impressive frame and two-way varsity experience at Southwest High School in Macon, GA, make him a versatile and intriguing prospect for the 2026 class. A recent riser in the rankings, his development trajectory points towards a potentially high ceiling at the collegiate level.

Physical Profile

Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 215 pounds, Callaway possesses an ideal frame for an EDGE rusher with ample room to add muscle mass without sacrificing athleticism. His background as a two-sport athlete in football and basketball suggests a good foundation of agility and coordination. On film, he displays notable bend and burst, traits that are highly coveted for pressuring the quarterback. His length will be a significant asset in both his pass rush and in disrupting passing lanes.

Play Style

Callaway is a high-energy player who makes an impact on both defense and offense. Defensively, he utilizes his speed and athleticism to pressure the quarterback off the edge and is a disruptive force in the backfield. Offensively, he has shown the ability to be a downfield threat as a tight end, capable of making plays after the catch. His background as a leader on his high school team is evident in his on-field demeanor and consistent effort.

Strengths

  • Versatility to play on both sides of the ball as an EDGE or a tight end, which he has done effectively at the high school level.
  • Possesses a high motor and a relentless playing style, consistently demonstrating a strong work ethic and leadership qualities.
  • Shows impressive athleticism for his size, with the speed to chase down ball carriers and the agility to be a threat in the passing game on offense.

Areas to Improve

  • Needs to add significant bulk and strength to his frame to effectively compete at the Power Five level, particularly if he focuses on the EDGE position.
  • While a willing and capable player on both sides of the ball, he will need to refine his technique at one position to maximize his potential in college.
  • Continued development of hand-fighting techniques and a wider array of pass-rushing moves will be crucial for his success as an EDGE defender.

College Projection

Callaway is projected to be a multi-year contributor at the Power Five level. His immediate impact may come on special teams as he physically develops. Given his athletic profile, he has the potential to become a starting EDGE rusher or a significant contributor at tight end by his second or third year in a collegiate program. He has already enrolled at Rutgers.

NFL Outlook

Given his four-star rating and impressive athletic traits, Rinaldo Callaway possesses the upside to be a future NFL Draft selection. His draft potential will be heavily influenced by his physical development and his ability to master the technical aspects of a single position at the collegiate level. If he can add the requisite strength and refine his pass-rushing skills, he has the raw tools to be considered by NFL teams down the line.

Best Fit

A defensive scheme that utilizes multiple fronts and allows their EDGE rushers to play in space would be an ideal fit for Callaway's skillset. On the offensive side of the ball, a pro-style or spread offense that incorporates the tight end in the passing game would allow him to leverage his athleticism and receiving skills.

Player Comparison

Kyle Pitts University of Florida • Atlanta Falcons 78% match

Both prospects share the ideal tight end frame at 6'5" with similar lean builds that suggest versatility and speed. Pitts was also a highly-rated prospect from the Southeast who showed early development and exceptional athletic traits that translated to elite college production. The physical profile and recruiting pedigree suggest similar upside as a matchup weapon.