ESPN spoke to several of Johnson’s former coaches and teammates in 2012 to get an idea of what The Rock was like in college. He was called “a specimen” by teammate Warren Sapp, who ended up taking Johnson’s position on the line. “He looked great. He always looked great,” said Sapp. “He was tan, curly hair. He was the kind of guy you want your sister to date, because he was a nice guy.” Another former teammate, defensive end Kevin Patrick, called him a “yoked-up kid with muscles everywhere,” and also “a physical specimen from Day 1. He didn’t just become one as soon as he became a wrestler.”

So how does the actor playing him at that age, Uli Latukefu, measure up? According to a post on Johnson’s Instagram account from September 2020, the two sure do look alike, in the face at least. But how about the build? Johnson posted a pair of photos to Instagram in February 2021 that reveal that Latukefu’s got the guns to play the part, as well. Johnson said that in addition to looking like him, Latukefu “brought a great quality, intensity, depth and love to the role.” You can check out Young Rock on Tuesdays at 8/7c on NBC.