Next Up!: Central Arkansas Studs in the Making
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As we turn the page to spring practice and newly revamped rosters for the 2024 season, there are alphas moving through the ranks, ready to introduce themselves to the state. I aim to get ahead of the crowd and fill…
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Continue ReadingAs we turn the page to spring practice and newly revamped rosters for the 2024 season, there are alphas moving through the ranks, ready to introduce themselves to the state. I aim to get ahead of the crowd and fill you in on a couple of diamonds in the rough across the Natural State.
Xzander Rainey Xzander Rainey 5'10" | 260 lbs | OL Sylvan Hills | 2028 AR | Offensive Lineman | Sylvan Hills | 2028
Twitter: @xzande_rainey
Standing at 5-10 and weighing 260 pounds, Xzander Rainey Xzander Rainey 5'10" | 260 lbs | OL Sylvan Hills | 2028 AR exhibits impressive size as a 2028 recruit. As an incoming freshman, Rainey brings a tenacious approach that is hardly coachable; with his brute frame, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another defensive lineman in the same age range who can match him. Possessing an incredibly strong lower body, Rainey embarrasses opposing defensive linemen directly off the snap with his initial punch.
What is most impressive about this Goliath is his attention to footwork. Rainey demonstrates awareness of the need to create a wall on inside schemes for his running back to find paths. In the passing game, he showcases the ability to hold his ground against quicker, blitzing outside linebackers. For an offensive lineman of his age, he excels at staying centered against quicker counterparts and moving his feet swiftly in either direction.
Messiah Jones Messiah Jones 5'8" | 145 lbs | ATH Little Rock Parkview | 2027 State AR | ATH | Little Rock Parkview | 2027
Twitter: @messiahthegoat
With a 4.6 40 time, this emerging talent is well on his way to becoming another household name from the Patriot program. Messiah Jones Messiah Jones 5'8" | 145 lbs | ATH Little Rock Parkview | 2027 State AR (5-7) possesses exceptional ball skills on the defensive side, reacting swiftly to passes as soon as they leave the quarterback’s hand. In the secondary, Jones excels as a 50/50 ball player, generating numerous pass breakups while maintaining minimal contact with the receiver to avoid pass interference.
On the offensive side, Jones is developing top-tier vision, displaying glimpses of breaking chunk runs through cutback lanes away from the flow of the blocking scheme, all while sprinting away with high-end speed.
Bryson Stewart Bryson Stewart 5'8" | 150 lbs | LB Maumelle | 2027 State AR | Linebacker | Maumelle | 2027
Twitter: @501_bryson
Bryson Stewart Bryson Stewart 5'8" | 150 lbs | LB Maumelle | 2027 State AR (5-7, 145), a linebacker who has already embraced the ‘alpha’ and ‘play finisher’ mindset. Stewart plays with the confidence and aggression of a much larger player, performing like a 6-2, 225-pound force in the heart of the defensive formation. A tight-clamped, sure solo tackler, Stewart excels in all parts of the field—whether on the perimeter, in the backfield, or within the box. His hard-nosed approach ensures his involvement in every play, showcasing versatility as he maneuvers between the interior and the nickel position. Stewart impressively fills holes with a violent presence, executing a fundamental approach with great precision.
Pleas Gray Pleas Gray 6'2" | 180 lbs | DB Little Rock Central | 2026 State AR | Defensive Back | Little Rock Southwest | 2026
Twitter: @pleasgray2026
Pleas Gray Pleas Gray 6'2" | 180 lbs | DB Little Rock Central | 2026 State AR is quickly establishing his own island at the corner position. With a lengthy 6-1, 175 frame, his physical attributes greatly enhance his strong man-to-man coverage skills. This includes adept use of physical hands, seamless hip transitions, and quick feet that allow him to shadow receivers effortlessly through their breaks. Gray exhibits exceptional anticipation on short to mid routes, making impact plays with well-timed jumps to disrupt passes and delivering highlight-worthy hits to receivers at the point of the catch.