Recruiting News and Notes 7-15-23

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>To say it was a busy week coming off of the dead period in the state of Arkansas, it would be an understatement. We have plenty of recruiting news and notes to get caught up on this weekend. Everything from commitments to scholarship offers is making the headlines this weekend. The 2023 season is fast approaching, but first let's take a look at some recruiting news.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='280305' first='Brian' last='Huff']-Linebacker-Valley View-2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Huff is one of the most talented defensive prospects in the state of Arkansas. He has the athletic ability to play all over the field for Valley View. Huff does a great job of shaking off blocks and getting to the ball carrier. He has the talent and potential to see plenty of playing time on Saturdays in the future. Huff placed his verbal commitment with the Missouri Tigers earlier in the week. Huff is a player to watch for this fall and at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='149577' first='Braylen' last='Russell']-Running Back-Benton-2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='149577' first='Braylen' last='Russell'] is a running back that just gets better as the game progresses. He will not go down initial contact and he forces the opposing defenders to wrap him to bring him down. Russell has the speed to cut the run to the outside but is strong enough to handle plenty of carries between the tackles. On Friday, Russell placed his commitment with the Arkansas Razorbacks. Russell is setting the stage for a strong 2023 season with the Benton Panthers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1216596' first='Danny' last='Beale']-Offensive Lineman-Cross County-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the past few months, Cross County offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1216596' first='Danny' last='Beale'] has started to open plenty of eyes. Beale can overwhelm opposing defensive linemen with his power. He is impressive from a run blocking perspective and has no trouble clearing a rushing lane for his running backs. Beale has earned three offers this offseason. The Cross County powerhouse has hauled in offers from Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Mississippi State, and Southeast Missouri State. He has the potential to explode this season from a recruiting perspective.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='149539' first='Hunter' last='Marshall']-Offensive Line-Farmington-2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Farmington offensive lineman is a versatile prospect that can play multiple positions along the offensive front. Marshall has good power, and he forces opposing defensive linemen to adjust to him. He has good speed and does a great job of getting out in front on screens and draws. Marshall put in the work this weekend at Pittsburg State University. He looks to be in mid-season form as the season approaches. Marshall is an offensive lineman to watch out for this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='629807' first='Van' last='Thomas III']-Wide Receiver-Bryant-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bryant Hornets always have talented wide receivers, and [player_tooltip player_id='629807' first='Van' last='Thomas III'] has the potential to open plenty of eyes over the next couple of seasons. He does an excellent job of running crisp routes. Thomas III does a great job of using his mix of speed and crisp routes to create separation from opposing defensive backs. Thomas III is setting the stage for a big 2023 season and his tremendous performance at the Southern Arkansas camp this week is a great indication that it could be a great season for the Bryant wide receiver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cameron Settles-Running Back-Little Rock Parkview-2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Settles is a running back that is a nightmare to bring down for opposing defenders. He does a great job of fighting through tackles and making people miss. Settles has had a busy summer and earned scholarship offers from SMU and Memphis. He had a strong season in 2022 and I look for him to improve even more this season. Settles has the opportunity to explode this season from a recruiting perspective as well as on the field this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->