Prep RedZone Arkansas Team Preview Malvern
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The Malvern Leopards are looking to continue taking the steps needed to advance in the state playoffs. The Leopards are a team that has talented individuals coming up through the ranks. Malvern’s potential is extremely high, and this is a…
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Continue ReadingThe Malvern Leopards are looking to continue taking the steps needed to advance in the state playoffs. The Leopards are a team that has talented individuals coming up through the ranks. Malvern’s potential is extremely high, and this is a group that could win 7-4A Conference championship this season.
Coach J.D. Plumlee has an experienced quarterback returning to run the show for the Leopards. Cedric Simmons Cedric Simmons 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB Malvern | 2023 State AR is a quarterback that is in the 2023 Prep RedZone Arkansas top five. Simmons was terrific last season, he passed for 2,268 yards and 18 touchdowns. Simmons is a true threat throwing the football or running the ball. Last season, Simmons rushed for 835 yards and seven touchdowns. The potential Simmons has is impressive and from a recruiting perspective he has the opportunity to blow up this season.
We already discussed how effective Simmons is running the football. However, the Leopards have a few players that are going to see some snaps at the running back spot. Braylon Watson Braylon Watson 6'3" | 210 lbs | RB Malvern | 2022 State AR will have an opportunity to earn some snaps this season. Watson is a running back that can run defenders over, or when needed cut it to the outside using his speed. JaNoah Harris JaNoah Harris 5'9" | 170 lbs | RB Malvern | 2024 State AR was terrific in the junior high ranks. Harris rushed for over 1,000 yards and he will have an opportunity to see some carries this season. Plenty of quality options to choose from at the running back position for the Leopards.
The Malvern offense will have talent returning at the wide receiver position this season. Simmons will have Carter Martin Carter Martin 6'0" | 150 lbs | WR Malvern | 2022 State AR returning this season. Martin does an excellent of creating separation from the defensive back and getting open. Last season, Martin hauled in six touchdown receptions. Dante Cagle Dante Cagle 5'9" | 160 lbs | WR Malvern | 2023 State AR is a versatile wide receiver that can be used effectively in the slot or split outside. Look for the Malvern coaching staff to put Cagle all over the field in positions to be successful.
On the defensive side of the ball, Malvern fans will want to keep an eye on defensive end Michael Cooper Michael Cooper 6'0" | 225 lbs | DL Malvern | 2024 State AR . Cooper is an extremely disruptive player that uses his speed well to disrupt the opponent’s running game. Meanwhile, the Leopards have experience returning at the linebacker spot this season. Jabri Artis Jabri Artis 6'4" | 180 lbs | LB Malvern | 2022 State AR has played impressively for the Leopards as an outside linebacker and has the potential to have an excellent season this season.
2021 Prediction:
The Malvern Leopards are a young, but extremely talented football team. Should the Leopards avoid injuries to key players like Simmons the potential is there to have a strong season. Malvern fans will want to circle the Nashville and Joe T. Robinson games to see how far the Leopards have come this season. I still expect a nice playoff run for the Leopards with a shot at a conference championship.