Arkansas Top Linebacker Prospects in 2024:

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The talent of the linebacker position in the state of Arkansas right now is underrated. In each class, you will find athleticism, versatility, reaction, play speed or all of the above. Each of these linebackers are Saturday worthy and have the skillset to dominate at the next level. Here are ten quarterbacks of the defense that you should keep an eye on during the 2024 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["221259"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003culu003ern tu003cliu003e6-Foot-2u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003e225 Poundsu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eDefensive Lineu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eClass of 2025u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eGreenwood linebacker/edge rusher [player_tooltip player_id='221259' first='Cash' last='Archer'] brings versatility to the defensive side of the ball. He is the 4th rated overall player and 1st overall at his position in the state of Arkansas (via Prep Redzone) for the class of 2025. Dynamic playmaker on the edge, showcasing impressive athleticism and good containment skills outside to force the play into traffic. Plays with excellent bend, speed, hand placement and strength to beat his opposition and make a play in the backfield. Archer is consistent with effective technique. His quickness off the snap with his power is impressive. Has the ability to drop back into zone coverage. Excited to watch Archer in 2024.u003c/spanu003ernrn'23 Stats: 78 tackles, 38 QB hurries, 29 TFL's, 20 sacks u0026amp; 2 FF'srnrnNote – 4.63 40 u0026amp; 3-Star","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f711613dfc8"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Archer88Cash/status/1732086436466135256","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Archer88Cash/status/1732086436466135256 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["865680"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003culu003ern tu003cliu003e5-Foot-10u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003e180 Poundsu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eLinebackeru003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eClass of 2025u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernLittle Rock Parkview linebacker u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='865680' first='Kevin' last='Ellis']u003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e brings athleticism and a high motor to the second level. He is the 13th rated overall player and 2nd overall at his position in the state of Arkansas (via Prep Redzone) for the class of 2025. Ellis displays good read and reaction speed, showcasing his mental processing. Sideline-to-sideline ability, demonstrating his motor and work ethic. Agile with good feel in zone coverage, locking down underneath. Ellis is an impressive linebacker with good speed and has the ability to defeat blockers in the box. He is someone to keep an eye on during the 2024 season.rnrnNote – 4.0 GPA u0026amp; 4.6 40rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://twitter.com/KevinEllis2025_/status/1759805779903680905u0022u003e(1) [player_tooltip player_id='865680' first='Kevin' last='Ellis'] on X: u0022Offseason work💪🏾 @ParkviewLr @duneganjace https://t.co/Um45Q0omftu0022 / X (twitter.com)u003c/au003ernrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f711613e05a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["507120"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003culu003ern tu003cliu003e6-Footu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003e225 Poundsu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eLinebackeru003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eClass of 2025u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernLittle Rock Mills u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003eZion Smithu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e showcases quick diagnostic skills with versatility to play on the edge. He is the 23rd rated overall player and 3rd overall at his position in the state of Arkansas (via Prep Redzone) for the class of 2025. Smith displays good read and react ability while showcasing his speed and power when attacking downhill and disengaging from blockers. Demonstrates good feel in zone coverage, keeping things underneath while making a play on the ball and forcing a potential PBU. His traits and versatility would allow him to play on the edge consistently as well if needed. Excited to watch Smith play in 2024.rnrnNote: Multi-Position Athlete","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f711613e0c2"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ZIONSMITH_21/status/1735364804569616758","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ZIONSMITH_21/status/1735364804569616758 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1195384"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003culu003ern tu003cliu003e6-Foot-1u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003e190 Poundsu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eLinebackeru003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eClass of 2026u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernLittle Rock Parkview linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1195384' first='Jakore' last='Smith'] brings athleticism, speed and IQ to the position. He is the 3rd rated overall player and 1st overall at his position in the state of Arkansas (via Prep Redzone) for the class of 2026. Smith displays very good read and reaction ability, attacking downhill almost instantly vs the running game. Sideline-to-Sideline motor with the physicalness and speed to shoot gaps and make a play in the backfield. Good feel in zone and man coverage, keying the quarterbacks' eyes and reacting off the throw. Impressive open field tackler with good technique. Smith is someone you should watch during the 2024 season.rnrnNote - 3.5 GPA / 4.46 40","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f711613e126"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/jakoresmithh/status/1735763164850016321","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jakoresmithh/status/1735763164850016321 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["283584"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003culu003ern tu003cliu003e6-Foot-3u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003e215 Poundsu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eLinebackeru003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eClass of 2026u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernRogers linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='283584' first='Braxton' last='Lindsey'] has great length that plays with a sideline-to-sideline motor. He is the 7th rated overall player and 2nd overall at his position in the state of Arkansas (via Prep Redzone) for the class of 2026. Lindsey's motor is relentless, attacks downhill with good tackling ability. Displays good hand placement to work off of blocks and force a stop. On top of that, he fires off the line of scrimmage, immediately working around the opposition. Good read and react ability with impressive feel in coverage. Excited to watch Lindsey in 2024.rnrnNote – 3.9 GPA","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f711613e185"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BraxtonTrev/status/1744379768588345589","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BraxtonTrev/status/1744379768588345589 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1195576"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003culu003ern tu003cliu003e5-Foot-11u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003e210 Poundsu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eLinebackeru003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eClass of 2026u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernDumas linebacker u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022 data-ol-has-click-handler=u0022u0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003eKeon Chaffinu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e brings a willingness to hit, attacking the gaps with very good, one on one tackling ability. He is the 12th rated overall player and 3rd overall at his position in the state of Arkansas (via Prep Redzone) for the class of 2026. Chaffin is consistently in the backfield and his ability to consistently break down and make sure he makes the tackle is impressive to see. Works sideline-to-sideline with a good feel for zone coverage. Chaffin is someone to keep an eye on during the 2024 season.rnrnNote - All Conference","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f711613e1e6"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/KjChaffin/status/1765097207710060570","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/KjChaffin/status/1765097207710060570 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1010693"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003culu003ern tu003cliu003e5-Foot-10u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003e150 Poundsu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eLinebackeru003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eClass of 2027u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernLittle Rock Christian linebacker u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003eRece Hallu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e brings a sideline-to-sideline ability. He is the 23rd rated overall player and 1st overall at his position in the state of Arkansas (via Prep Redzone) for the class of 2027. Hall plays physicalness in the box with a high motor while showcasing good read and react skills. Very good open field tackler that's always flying to the football and making a play in the backfield. Good feel in coverage, keeping everything underneath and in front to potentially cause a PBU. Hall is someone to keep an eye in the fall.rnrnNote - Multi-Position Athlete","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f711613e249"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ReceHall2027/status/1761538479710708190","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ReceHall2027/status/1761538479710708190 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["268519"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003culu003ern tu003cliu003e5-Foot-11u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003e200 Poundsu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eLinebackeru003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eClass of 2026u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernFayetteville linebacker u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003eGreyson Jerryu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e is versatile on the defensive side of the ball, being able to play inside and outside of the box. He is the 32nd rated overall player and 5th overall at his position in the state of Arkansas (via Prep Redzone) for the class of 2026. Jerry has the ability to line up outside on receivers and sticking to them like glue while making a play on the ball. Displays physicalness with a quick read and react ability. Excited to watch him in 2024.rnrnNote – 4.7 40","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f711613e2a9"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/GJ_04_/status/1718318179653476569","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/GJ_04_/status/1718318179653476569 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["585569"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003culu003ern tu003cliu003e6-Footu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003e220 Poundsu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eLinebackeru003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eClass of 2025u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernBenton linebacker u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003eWalter Hicksu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e displays a relentless pursuit sideline-to-sideline. He is the 124th rated overall player and 18th overall at his position in the state of Arkansas (via Prep Redzone) for the class of 2025. Hicks displays a quick first step read, allowing himself to diagnose the play and then attack downhill in run defense. Good read and react ability in pass coverage. Great at containing plays, forcing them to stay inside allowing him or his teammates to make a play. Consistent open field tackler. Good at zoning the field, keeping everything underneath. Hicks is someone you need to watch in 2024.rnrn'23 Stats: 104 Tackles – 11 Sacks – 2 FR TD's – 1 FF u0026amp; 14 TFL'srnrnNote – 4.0 GPA","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f711613e30f"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/WalterHicks2025/status/1751810416747970942","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/WalterHicks2025/status/1751810416747970942 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["221289"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003culu003ern tu003cliu003e6-Foot-1u003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003e220 Poundsu003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eLinebackeru003c/liu003ern tu003cliu003eClass of 2025u003c/liu003ernu003c/ulu003ernShiloh Christian linebacker u003cspan class=u0022pn-tooltip pn-player-linku0022u003eu003cspan class=u0022name-pointeru0022u003eCarter Henleyu003c/spanu003eu003c/spanu003e is the quarterback of the defense, demonstrating leadership, high football IQ with a sideline-to-sideline motor. He is the 82nd rated overall player and 8th overall at his position in the state of Arkansas (via Prep Redzone) for the class of 2025. Henley displays a very good read and react ability with great feel in coverage. Quick first step when reacting then attacking downhill, making a play on the ball. Good lateral agility when reacting and breaking on the ball at the point of catch. Excited to watch Henley in 2024 and someone to keep an eye on as well.rnrnNote – 4.0 GPA","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65f711613e372"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/CarterHenley_/status/1733640622517448728","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CarterHenley_/status/1733640622517448728 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->