Prep Redzone Preseason All-State Series (5A First-Team)
In this article:
Headed into the 2023 season, the 5A classification is arguably the most loaded with top-tier talent. This list is littered with players who are either committed to the Power 5 schools or are being actively recruited. Headlining this list includes…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingHeaded into the 2023 season, the 5A classification is arguably the most loaded with top-tier talent. This list is littered with players who are either committed to the Power 5 schools or are being actively recruited. Headlining this list includes Courtney Crutchfield Courtney Crutchfield 6'3" | 185 lbs | WR Pine Bluff | 2024 State AR , Charleston Collins Charleston Collins 6'4" | 240 lbs | DL Little Rock Mills | 2024 State AR , Cameron Settles Cameron Settles 6'0" | 195 lbs | RB Little Rock Parkview | 2025 State AR , and Brian Huff Brian Huff 6'3" | 210 lbs | LB Valley View | 2024 State AR .
Be sure to review our previous pieces in this series below!
Quarterback
Quentin Murphy Quentin Murphy 6'1" | 190 lbs | QB Little Rock Parkview | 2025 State AR | Joe T Robinson
A premier national talent, Quentin Murphy Quentin Murphy 6'1" | 190 lbs | QB Little Rock Parkview | 2025 State AR has earned top-tier offers from schools such as Auburn, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee, Ole Miss, and Wisconsin, among others. Murphy is a do-it-all leader in the huddle with his incredible accuracy, arm strength, and scramble abilities he has the talent to make a highlight reel play at any moment.
“Last season, Quentin Murphy Quentin Murphy 6'1" | 190 lbs | QB Little Rock Parkview | 2025 State AR opened plenty of his eyes with his impressive play for the Senators. Murphy does not get enough credit for his deep ball. He does a good job of connecting with his wide receivers. He is a quarterback that does not have trouble throwing while on the run. Murphy uses his legs well, meanwhile, he does a good job of keeping his eyes down the field to make the throw. He has no trouble pulling the ball down and taking off with the football to pick up yardage on the ground. Murphy is a prospect that has impressive recruiting momentum and I look for him to have a big 2023 football season.” March Update: 2025 Quarterback Breakdown
Running Back
Cameron Settles Cameron Settles 6'0" | 195 lbs | RB Little Rock Parkview | 2025 State AR | Little Rock Parkview
Not only does this running back have the talent to break records in the state of Arkansas, but he is also a perennial talent throughout the country. Cameron Settles Cameron Settles 6'0" | 195 lbs | RB Little Rock Parkview | 2025 State AR is among the better backs with a full skill set that can transition into the college game. If Parkview ends up repeating as 5A champions, Settles will be an MVP candidate.
“Making his claim for the best overall player in the state, Cameron Settles Cameron Settles 6'0" | 195 lbs | RB Little Rock Parkview | 2025 State AR (6-0, 195) is an evident Power 5 talent for the Parkview Patriots who can already boast offers from schools such as SMU and Memphis. Settles has all the intangibles you look for in an alpha running back; speed, patience, pass protection, catching abilities, vision, and strength. He has been on the move this off-season with recent visits to Oregon, Tennessee, USC, Oregon State, Stanford, Oklahoma, and even a US Army Bowl Combine to boot! With Settles, you see a mean running style that often comes with disrespectful stiff arms and quick juke moves that leave defenders with a loss of direction when he passes by.” 2025 Quarterbacks & Running Backs Improving Their Profiles
Gabe Witt Gabe Witt 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Southside | 2024 State AR | Southside
A majorly unknown name throughout the state because of an injury ending season in 2022, Gabe Witt Gabe Witt 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Southside | 2024 State AR was well on his way to finish top 5 in rushing in the 5A classification. With 864 rushing yards in 8 games, Witt was projected to have 1,296 yards using his yards per game to cover the missing games, which would have finished 2nd in 5A and 25th overall in the state. Fully recovered from the injury, Witt is in store for a huge 2023 season.
“If it weren’t for his injury, Gabe Witt Gabe Witt 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Southside | 2024 State AR would have been a well-known name all across Arkansas. He was having an incredible season and was on track to be considered for all-state recognition. Witt has always had a great balance of patience and speed, especially behind the line of scrimmage where he waits for holes to form and finds cut back lanes with ease. Once he gets into the open field, he’s practically untouchable and has scored many long touchdowns throughout his career. It’s likely that he’ll continue to do so in 2023.” Redzone 2024 Ranking Risers in Arkansas
Wide Receiver
Courtney Crutchfield Courtney Crutchfield 6'3" | 185 lbs | WR Pine Bluff | 2024 State AR | Pine Bluff
Courtney Crutchfield Courtney Crutchfield 6'3" | 185 lbs | WR Pine Bluff | 2024 State AR is one of the few talents across the nation that gained attention from just about every top-name program. Crutchfield, ultimately committed to the instate Hogs, while many are looking forward to having his talents in Fayetteville, he is aiming to make a deep postseason push for Pine Bluff.
“One of the most dynamic athletes in the state of Arkansas. Crutchfield has the speed to stretch the field deep. He is a smooth route runner and uses his speed well to create separation from opposing defenders. Crutchfield has the hands to haul in any ball thrown in his vicinity. The Pine Bluff wide receiver had an impressive performance in California at the OT7 Championship. He is setting the stage for a big senior season in 2023.” Camp Standouts Putting in the Work 6-19-23
Brenton Brasfield Brenton Brasfield 6'1" | 180 lbs | ATH Beebe | 2025 State AR | Beebe
Gaining interest from schools like Marshall and Arkansas State, Brenton Brasfield Brenton Brasfield 6'1" | 180 lbs | ATH Beebe | 2025 State AR is another division-one talent residing in Arkansas. From his film, attributes, and his alpha mentality it’s arguable Brasfield is slept on in terms of the amount of attention he’s getting.
“ Brenton Brasfield Brenton Brasfield 6'1" | 180 lbs | ATH Beebe | 2025 State AR has had the opportunity to put on display his impressive versatility this weekend. On the defensive side of the ball, Brasfield was able to completely lock down the opposing wide receiver today. Brasfield has the speed to stay with opposing wide receivers. He uses his skills that he has picked up playing as a wide receiver and translated it to the defensive side of the ball. Brasfield hat a very strong first day of the Broken Arrow tournament. I look for him to keep his momentum going this offseason.” Busy Weekend of 7-on-7’s
Monterrio Elston | Little Rock Parkview
With a 4.4 40-yard time, Monterrio Elston is a burner lined up outside the formation. It’s quite possible Little Rock Parkview has the best running back (see Cam Settles)and the best receiver in the 2025 class, Elston is that talented and overlooked.
“Elston Jr. has no problem making an impact on the field. He is a dangerous player for opposing defenses to attempt to account for when he is on the field. Elston Jr. can line up at running back or wide receiver. He is a prospect that has great speed. Elston Jr. can take the ball between the tackles or cut it to the outside. Meanwhile, when he is split out wide, Elston Jr. can stretch the field vertically for the Patriots. Elston Jr. is a prospect to watch out for over this upcoming season.” July 2023 Update 2025 Ranking Risers
Tight End
Austin James Austin James 6'4" | 220 lbs | ATH Pea Ridge | 2024 State AR | Pea Ridge
Skylar Purifoy Skylar Purifoy 6'5" | 215 lbs | TE Hot Springs Lakeside | 2024 State AR | Hot Springs Lakeside
Already obtaining offers from Arkansas Tech and UA Monticello, Skylar Purifoy Skylar Purifoy 6'5" | 215 lbs | TE Hot Springs Lakeside | 2024 State AR has been busy showcasing his talents ahead of what anticipates to be a successful senior season for the Lakeside Rams.
“ Skylar Purifoy Skylar Purifoy 6'5" | 215 lbs | TE Hot Springs Lakeside | 2024 State AR ‘s versatility is impressive. He is a tight end that can clear a path for his running backs. Meanwhile, he can run some smooth pass patterns and make big receptions in the passing game. Purifoy put in some work at Incarnate Word earlier in the week. In the process, he opened some eyes with his athletic ability. He is a talented receiver and can hurt you in both the run and the passing attack. Purifoy has had a strong couple of seasons for Hot Springs Lakeside and I would expect the same productivity this upcoming season.” Saturday Edition: Prospects Putting in the Work 6-3-23
Offensive Line
Randall Davis | Little Rock Parkview
“The Little Rock Parkview offensive lineman is a prospect that has opened plenty of eyes over the past few weeks. Davis has the power and speed mix that college coaches are looking for on the offensive line. He is an impressive run blocker that plays with a chip on his shoulder. Meanwhile, he has displayed over the past few years that he provides good pass blocking abilities as well. Davis earned a scholarship offer from Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Friday of this week. I expect Davis to have a strong 2023 season.” Recruiting News and Notes 6-3-23
Hunter Marshall Hunter Marshall 5'8" | 245 lbs | OL Farmington | 2024 State AR | Farmington
Hunter Marshall Hunter Marshall 5'8" | 245 lbs | OL Farmington | 2024 State AR may be a bit undersized at 5-8, but this guy lives for the physicality in the trenches. Marshall has great speed, especially on quick screens, however, what makes him stand out is his grit and work ethic to be great. This is the type of player coaches love to have.
“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.” Recruiting News and Notes 7-15-23
Brody Benton Brody Benton 6'3" | 300 lbs | OL Des Arc | 2025 State AR | Beebe
Brody Benton Brody Benton 6'3" | 300 lbs | OL Des Arc | 2025 State AR (6-3, 300) has the frame and footwork to be an impact player on the line Beebe as a junior. Benton has attended camps at UA Monticello, Arkansas, North Texas, and Ouachita Baptist. He still has two more seasons to master his craft before moving on to the collegiate circuit, but Benton already obtains the talent to make the jump.
“Ouachita Baptist University hosted the annual offensive line-defensive line camp this week. Beebe offensive lineman Brody Benton Brody Benton 6'3" | 300 lbs | OL Des Arc | 2025 State AR opened plenty of eyes in Arkadelphia over the past few days. Benton’s speed is impressive. He is able to get out to block on screen passes and on outside rushes as well. Over the next couple of seasons, Benton is going to be an offensive lineman to watch out for on Friday nights.” Saturday Edition: Prospects Putting in the Work 6-3-23
Jahlon Harris Jahlon Harris 6'6" | 295 lbs | OL Maumelle | 2026 State AR | Maumelle
“ Jahlon Harris Jahlon Harris 6'6" | 295 lbs | OL Maumelle | 2026 State AR is a powerful prospect on the offensive line. Harris has the size and strength to be a mainstay at the left tackle position over the next few years. The Maumelle offensive lineman displays good quickness getting out of the stance. He looks to finish every block and is always looking for another defensive player to block. Harris will keep opposing defensive linemen off of his quarterback. I expect Harris to take off from a recruiting perspective over the next few months. He has the potential to be a force on the offensive line for several years to come.” 2026 Prospects on the Rise
Defensive Line
Charleston Collins Charleston Collins 6'4" | 240 lbs | DL Little Rock Mills | 2024 State AR | Little Rock Mills
With 101 tackles and 42 sacks in 2022 with a pick to boast, Charleston Collins Charleston Collins 6'4" | 240 lbs | DL Little Rock Mills | 2024 State AR has set the stage for a monster senior season for the Mills Rockets. Collins was part of a slew of instate recruits to commit to the Hogs this past off-season.
“One of the most athletic prospects in the state of Arkansas is making recruiting headlines this week. Collins uses his speed and athletic ability well to terrorize the opposing offensive line. He is extremely versatile and can move all over the defensive line. Collins has good hands and the ability to take an errant pass the opposite direction. The Little Rock miss prospect placed his commitment with the Arkansas Razorbacks on Friday of this week. Congratulations go out to the talented defensive lineman!” Recruiting News and Notes 4-22-23
Landon Canady Landon Canady 6'2" | 320 lbs | DL Little Rock Parkview | 2025 State AR | Little Rock Parkview
Another high-quality piece for the Patriots, Landon Canady Landon Canady 6'2" | 320 lbs | DL Little Rock Parkview | 2025 State AR (c/o 2025, 6-2, 300) is a beast of a lineman. Canady has gained interest from Kansas and Memphis, adding in offers from Grambling State, SEMO, and Jackson State. With Canady lined up on the interior, teams will be hard-pressed to have success on the ground.
“One of the most dynamic defensive linemen in the state of Arkansas occupies a spot on the defensive line for Parkview. Canady is one of the most impressive run stuffers in the state. He uses his power to get into the opposing offensive backfield. Canaday has proven to be a defensive lineman that can rush the passer. He is a versatile lineman that can play the tackle or the edge position. I look for him to be a run stuffing defensive tackle at the next level. Meanwhile, for the next two seasons he is going to continue to cause plenty of problems for opposing offenses in the Natural State.” Little Rock Parkview Spring Football Recap
Landen Meredith Landen Meredith 6'3" | 265 lbs | DL White Hall | 2024 State AR | White Hall
A defensive lineman with a sub-5 40-yard time is what Landen Meredith Landen Meredith 6'3" | 265 lbs | DL White Hall | 2024 State AR brings to the discussion. With his supreme laterals and movement through traffic, there are not a whole lot of ball carriers who can break a big gainer away from this speedy lineman.
“What sticks out right off the bat when it comes to Landen Meredith Landen Meredith 6'3" | 265 lbs | DL White Hall | 2024 State AR is his ability to track down the ball carrier. He will not quit on a play whether it be a run or a pass. Meredith uses his strength well to defeat blocks and get into the offensive backfield. He will use his quickness well to run down the ball carrier and even drop back into pass coverage when needed. The White Hall coaching staff does an excellent job of lining Meredith up all over the field and he is a prospect to watch in 2023.” 2024 Defensive Line Prospects to Watch in 2023
Danny Johnson Danny Johnson 6'1" | 280 lbs | DL Pine Bluff | 2025 State AR | Pine Bluff
Linebacker
Brian Huff Brian Huff 6'3" | 210 lbs | LB Valley View | 2024 State AR | Valley View
Coming off a 5A East title last season, Valley View is retooled and loaded for another run in 2023. Brian Huff Brian Huff 6'3" | 210 lbs | LB Valley View | 2024 State AR , this time around a Missouri commit, will be leading the way once again on the defensive side of the ball. Arguably the best linebacker in the state, Huff is a physical specimen he is nearly impossible to put a successful block on.
“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.” Recruiting News and Notes 7-15-23
Ian Dietz Ian Dietz 6'3" | LB Joe T. Robinson | 2024 State AR | Joe T Robinson
Having a height and weight of 6-4 and 205, respectively, Ian Dietz Ian Dietz 6'3" | LB Joe T. Robinson | 2024 State AR is an imposing figure lined up across any offensive unit. His potential is sky-high heading into his senior season.
“ Ian Dietz Ian Dietz 6'3" | LB Joe T. Robinson | 2024 State AR is a linebacker that has the potential to explode this season. He does a great job of reading the play and reacting to the play. Dietz is always around the ball carrier and does not miss tackles. He has the speed to disrupt the rushing game. Meanwhile, he does not have a bit of trouble dropping back into pass coverage. The Robinson linebacker is a prospect that has the potential to have a huge season this season.” July Update 2024 Linebackers to Watch in 2023
Kevin Ellis Kevin Ellis 5'9" | 180 lbs | LB Little Rock Parkview | 2025 State AR | Little Rock Parkview
“ Kevin Ellis Kevin Ellis 5'9" | 180 lbs | LB Little Rock Parkview | 2025 State AR is a budding star and a premier play maker in the core of the Parkview Patriots defense. Ellis, standing at 5 foot 9 and weighing 180, is one of the more underrated, underappreciated recruits in the state, if not the nation. Ellis has all the tangibles with speed (4.6), strength, and versatility to line up wherever he is needed throughout the formation. From lining up man-to-man on the slot receiver or coming off the edge of the formation to make a quick play off a blitz this backer understands his assignments and how to get the job done. This defensive signal caller is an alpha presence and hits with conviction and elite closing speed on the outside to boot!” 2025 Linebackers Flying Under the Radar
Defensive Back
Aquavious Dunbar Aquavious Dunbar 6'3" | 215 lbs | DB Lakeside | 2024 State AR | Hot Springs Lakeside
This defensive back in Hot Springs is a multi-tool player for Lakeside. Aquavious Dunbar Aquavious Dunbar 6'3" | 215 lbs | DB Lakeside | 2024 State AR plays running back while being a difference-maker in the safety position. Throughout the offseason, Dunbar has done a fantastic job of showcasing his abilities and earning offers from Tulsa, UAPB, Austin Peay, Liberty, and Alcorn State.
“ Aquavious Dunbar Aquavious Dunbar 6'3" | 215 lbs | DB Lakeside | 2024 State AR continues to open plenty of eyes as the summer approaches. Dunbar can play the running back or safety positions with impressive effectiveness at each position. Over the past few weeks, Dunbar has earned scholarship offers from both Austin Peay and Tulsa. I expect Dunbar to continue to haul in scholarship offers as the upcoming season approaches. Dunbar has the potential to see playing time on Saturdays in the future.” Recruiting News and Notes 5-13-23
Cash Farris Cash Farris 6'0" | 185 lbs | DB Alma | 2025 State AR | Alma
“The Alma safety is a prospect that has opened plenty of eyes this off season. He is a physical safety that does a great job separating the ball from the ball carrier. Farris moves up to plug up rushing lanes and does a good job of fending off opposing blockers. He has the speed to stick with opposing wide receivers. Farris forces the wide receivers to work for the football. He has the potential for a big season this season and is a prospect to watch out for on Fridays.” 2025 Defensive Backs to Watch in 2023
Omarion Robinson Omarion Robinson 6'0" | 175 lbs | DB Little Rock Parkview | 2025 State AR | Little Rock Parkview
Yet another Parkview Patriot on this list with division-one talent, Robinson is a player who leaves an impression. From his speed, agility, footwork, and competiveness nothing is missing from his skillset that would make him any less ready for the college game. As a 2025 recruit, I expect Robinson’s recruitment to pick up tenfold this season.
“ Omarion Robinson Omarion Robinson 6'0" | 175 lbs | DB Little Rock Parkview | 2025 State AR is one of the most versatile prospects in the state of Arkansas. Robinson sees playing time on both sides of the ball for the Patriots. On the defensive side of the ball, Robinson does a tremendous job of playing the ball while it is in the air. He is a physical safety that has no trouble separating the ball from the ball carrier. Robinson is a player that does a good job of tracking the ball while it is in the air. Robinson is a prospect to watch out for this season.” 2025 Defensive Backs to Watch in 2023