Van Buren Talent To Watch

The talent runs deep in Van Buren as the Pointers have a plentiful amount of returning players this upcoming season. Beginning with talented senior starting quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='155329' first='Bryce' last='Perkins'], junior running back [player_tooltip player_id='323925' first='Cameron' last='Keller'], junior wide receivers [player_tooltip player_id='259657' first='Jadyn' last='Johnson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='637665' first='Trenton' last='Cooley'], junior backup quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='399226' first='Elijah' last='Johnson'] who is waiting in the wings for his time to shine. Also returning is junior offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='525562' first='Ethan' last='Hurst'] and Junior defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='399227' first='Alex' last='Welborn'].   [player_tooltip player_id='399226' first='Elijah' last='Johnson'] is a 6'1, 180 pound junior quarterback waiting his turn to lead the Pointers. He has a 4.0 GPA. Elijah's strength is his presence in the pocket and drop back passing. His personal goals for this upcoming season is to have a winning season and winning a state championship. He says that he has learned a lot from starting quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='155329' first='Bryce' last='Perkins'].   Elijah says what separates him from other quarterbacks in the state is his leadership qualities and encouragement of his teammates. He feels that his parents and coaching is what makes him the player that he is. Elijah has a deep passion for the game and only wants to keep getting better. He shows his leadership on the field by being vocal and leading by example.   What Elijah loves most about playing football is the intensity and physicality of the game. The player who inspires him the most on the team is running back teammate [player_tooltip player_id='323925' first='Cameron' last='Keller']. Elijah plans on attending camps this summer yet to be determined. I feel that Elijah has the want to and talent to lead the Pointers when it's his time.   [player_tooltip player_id='525562' first='Ethan' last='Hurst'] is a 6'2, 260 pound offensive left tackle who takes pride in protecting his quarterback and opening up holes for his runningbacks. Ethan bench presses 285 pounds and squats 400 pounds and has a 4.0 GPA. His personal goals for this upcoming season is to make all-conference and a team goal of winning a state championship.   Ethan says what separates him from other offensive linemen in the state is his work ethic, his hard work in the weight room and his knowledge on the football field. What makes him a special player is being able to be coached up in certain situations and his work ethic. Ethan feels that his strengths are his explosiveness off the line and his pass protection.   He shows his leadership by helping his teammates out if they make a mistake and help them get it right and encouraging his teammates and his competitiveness. What Ethan loves the most about playing football is the physicality and being a part of the team. He says the player that inspires him the most on the team is center Jason Thibodaux and Coach Tyler Van Hook.   Ethan plans on attending camps this coming summer at the University of Arkansas, Ouachita Baptist and others yet to be determined. I feel that Ethan has the talent and willingness to get to the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='399227' first='Alex' last='Welborn'] is a 6'4, 325 pound junior noseguard who bench presses 275 pounds and squats 395 pounds. His personal goals for this upcoming season is to work harder in the weight room, to get over 100 tackles while averaging 10 tackles a game and to get more exposure while also winning a state championship.   Alex feels that what makes him the player is heart for the game. So far the colleges that he has heard from is Ouachita Baptist and Nichols State camp invites. His strengths are his getting off the line fast and shedding the blocks of the offensive linemen. What Alex loves the most about playing football is the brotherhood and getting to know the older players on the team by learning from them.   The player who inspire him the most is offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='525562' first='Ethan' last='Hurst'] because of the competition they have going against each other in practice. Alex attended camps at the University of Arkansas and the University of Central Arkansas last summer and plans on attending both again this coming summer among others possibly. I feel that Alex has the size and strength that with continued work will lead him on to the collegiate path.