Prep RedZone Arkansas Team Preview Bauxite

The Bauxite Miners are looking to not only reach the playoffs but win some games in the playoffs. Bauxite has players on both sides of the ball that the team is going to lean on this season. We are going to look at the prospects that are going to be key for the Miners this season. However, we are also going to examine a few games that Bauxite will need to focus on this season. Looking at the offensive side of the ball. Bauxite has a quarterback that will terrorize an opponent with his arm and then make the defense account for his running of the football. [player_tooltip player_id="178752" first="Hunter" last="Ferrell"] has flown under the radar up to this point; however, he will likely start step into the spotlight this season. In 2020, Ferrell passed for 1,471 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also displayed a willingness to run the football. Ferrell rushed for almost 500 yards and tacked on five touchdowns on the ground. The Miners rushing attack will see multiple players see some snaps and carries at the running back position. We have already discussed Ferrell being able to cause problems for the opposing defense using his legs. [player_tooltip player_id="178758" first="Zach" last="Taylor"] is a versatile player that will see some snaps at the running back position and at the wide receiver position. Devin Jones, Noah Britton, and Russ McCone will all have the opportunity to earn some time in the offensive backfield. In the passing game, Bauxite has [player_tooltip player_id="149929" first="Braden" last="Arnold"] returning for his senior season. Arnold was terrific last season for the Miners. He hauled in 34 receptions for 734 yards and seven touchdown receptions. Arnold uses his speed to create separation from the opposing defensive backs. Aden Palmer and Roman Muniz will see passes as well being thrown in their direction. The offense has the potential to be dangerous in both the run and passing attacks. Shifting focus to the defensive side of the ball. The Miners are going to depend upon the experienced linebackers returning this season. [player_tooltip player_id="178758" first="Zach" last="Taylor"] will get a chance this season to improve upon the 82 tackles he amassed a season ago. Robert Scudder should improve on the 37 tackles he racked up a season. Both linebackers are always around the football, and it seems like they are in on every tackle. The defense has the potential to surprise some folks this season. <strong>2021 Prediction:</strong> The Miners are going to depend on [player_tooltip player_id="178752" first="Hunter" last="Ferrell"] and [player_tooltip player_id="149929" first="Braden" last="Arnold"] to light up opposing secondaries this fall. Both have the potential to impress scouts and make people take notice. The games against Ashdown and Malvern will help determine playoff positioning this season. Grabbing an upset win this season would help the Miners play well into November.