Recruits Ready to Take the Next Step
In this article:
High school football is a revolving door of playmakers on every squad. A senior class exits their positions while the sophomore class is ready to upend the previous tenure and create their own legacy. Listed below are guys from the…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingHigh school football is a revolving door of playmakers on every squad. A senior class exits their positions while the sophomore class is ready to upend the previous tenure and create their own legacy. Listed below are guys from the class of 2025 and 2026 ready to make their mark on Arkansas high school football this fall.
Earning interest from multiple D-1 programs, Marcus Wimberly Marcus Wimberly 6’1″ | 170 lbs | DB Bauxite | 2025 State AR has recorded 4.37 40-yard time and 22 bench reps with 225. Once you immerse yourself in this guy’s film you’ll quickly see just how much his skill set separates himself from the others on the gridiron with him. He was awarded all-state as a sophomore while performing as a do-it-all player for the Bauxite Miners. Wimberly took snaps at RB, WR, Wildcat QB, and performed really well in the defensive backfield. While he shows next-level talent on the offensive side of the ball, Prep Redzone ranks Wimberly as the no. 6 DB in the Arkansas 2025 class and the 34th overall player.
Highlights
Jayden Johnson
Jayden Johnson
Jayden Johnson (4.76 40) represents your atypical wide receiver who will out tough and physical any defensive back who is lined up against him. He has a great understanding of using his body to gain position on 50/50 balls and also coordinates himself well in order to get off press coverage quickly. Johnson is ranked as the no. 6 WR in Arkansas and the 29th-best player in the state within the 2025 class.
Javeon Fricks Javeon Fricks 6’5″ | 205 lbs | ATH Mineral Springs | 2025 State AR is a name to monitor going forward, an elite talent at the tight end position. With his large 6-6 frame Fricks is a matchup nightmare for defensive coordinators. His breakaway speed is evident in his film, and his dominant force across the middle of the field is prominent as well. His offensive abilities allow for great play-calling flexibility as he is able to line up against corners and linebackers alike while exploiting his evident size advantage. Frick’s stock is about to rise drastically this fall.
Khaleel Canady
Khaleel Canady
Khaleel Canady is a fundamental specialist in the defensive backfield. He has great footwork and solid hip rotations while keeping his shoulders square while tracking WR’s route development. Canady’s awareness while the ball is in flight is fantastic as he has the instinct to create hard-earned PBUs and INTs. His head is always on a swivel. Instincts, fundamentals, and developed skills will translate him into a collegiate-level talent.
Malik Matthews
Malik Matthews
Malik Matthews is a name to remember. This guy’s vision is impeccable to pair with his ability to use back cuts to find wide-open running lanes. Not only does he exhibit the agility and vision to be a between-the-tackles runner but Matthews has hands like a wide receiver also. Absolute alpha totting the leather. Matthews recorded one game in the 2022 season with 100+ yards and collected 100 receptions on the year out of the backfield.
It seems Will Carter Will Carter 5’11” | 140 lbs | WR Benton | 2026 State AR (C/O 2026) is already showing attributes on the field as an upperclassman. His IQ and awareness of attacking his receptions and meeting them instead of letting the ball travel further to him show aggressiveness and his understanding of the percentage of his catches will increase by not allowing the defenders any extra seconds to tip these passes. He also has very quick motions and cuts to create space between himself and defenders. Carter’s incredible footwork and route running skills led to his 1.179 receiving yards in 2022 along with 15 touchdowns.