5 Weeks in, Here are 5 players to Take Notice of in Arkansas
Through five weeks in the 2023 season teams around the state are beginning to gain a feel for their respective identities and are realizing the end-of-the-year expectations, whether those expectations are getting to the playoffs, winning conference championships, or ultimately…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThrough five weeks in the 2023 season teams around the state are beginning to gain a feel for their respective identities and are realizing the end-of-the-year expectations, whether those expectations are getting to the playoffs, winning conference championships, or ultimately winning a state title. These five players have seized early expectations and accomplished more than what was thought of in the preseason.
Dyelon Caradine Dyelon Caradine 6'2" | 160 lbs | WR Malvern | 2024 State AR (2024) | Wide Receiver | Malvern
A main reason for the Leopard’s success early this season is the performance of alpha wide receiver, Dyelon Caradine Dyelon Caradine 6'2" | 160 lbs | WR Malvern | 2024 State AR . In four games played, he ranks 34th in the country and 1st in the state with 660 receiving yards. Cardadine’s versatile route tree leaves options limitless with play calls to his part of the field. Through his expertise in twisting defensive backs, he can create openings in the teeth of the defense and burn them down the field as well. The Malvern Leopard is averaging 22 yards per reception and 165 yards a game, not to mention his 7 touchdowns so far this season.
Achilles Ringo (2024) | Quarterback | Little Rock Mills
A quarterback creating waves in the state, Achilles Ringo is an elite passer who obtains play-making abilities with his legs. Coming into this Friday night Ringo was 82nd in the country and 1st in the state with 1,406 passing yards through four games. He added to his totals with an impressive night with 411 passing yards and 129 rushing yards on 13 carries. Ringo can be extremely effective in RPO-based offensive playbooks.
Gunner Thielemier (2025) | Linebacker | Walnut Ridge
A true diamond in the rough for the Walnut Ridge Bobcats, junior Gunner Thielemier is getting the work done on the defensive side of the field. At 5-11, 220 he led the state in tackles coming into Friday night with 62 stops. As a junior, he has plenty to offer for collegiate scouts, though his play up to this point deserves serious recognition.
Terry Hodges Jr. (2026) | Running Back | Marked Tree
The Marked Tree Indians have a Swiss army knife at their disposal with Terry Hodges Jr. Through two full games played, Hodges sits at 18 rushes, 447, and 7 touchdowns. The Marked Tree Indian is averaging 24.8 yards per carry, an insane number that shows his ability to be efficient with his touches and his high-tier play-making abilities. In week 2, Hodges unloaded on the competition with a 255-yard and FIVE touchdown game.
Elijah Romine (2024) | Running Back | Salem
A Cinderella team of sorts, the Salem Greyhounds have taken the state by storm, starting the season 5-0 and climbing the ranks among the best in the 3A class. Elijah Romine has been a main contributor to the success of the Greyhounds. Romine (6-2, 185), through five games, has racked up 776 rushing yards with an impressive 11 touchdowns. The Greyhound has already rushed for 200-plus yards in two games.