July Edition: 2027 Under the Radar

Tom Tabler July 15, 2024 @ 01:54 PM

The class of 2027 in the state of Arkansas is just beginning to take shape. However, that does not mean that we do not have prospects flying under the radar. As we do each month, we are going to highlight several prospects to keep an eye on over the next few months.   [player_tooltip player_id='1334005' first='Jayden' last='Jefferson']-Athlete-Little Rock Parkview   The Little Rock Parkview prospect is a player that has impressive versatility. He can operate effectively on both sides of the football for the Patriots. On the defensive side of the ball, he has the speed to stay with any wide receiver that lines up against him. Meanwhile, on the offensive side of the ball he can line up at wide receiver. He is dangerous on either side of the field with the ball in his hands. Jefferson is a prospect to watch out for as we approach the 2024 football season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1258056' first='Makel' last='Ward']-Defensive Line-Wynne-6'0” 280-Pounds   [player_tooltip player_id='1258056' first='Makel' last='Ward'] plays all along the defensive front for Wynne. He is able to use his quickness to get away from blocks and get into the offensive backfield. Ward has an impressive mix of power and speed, and he will keep opposing blockers off-balance. He will drive opposing offensive linemen into the offensive backfield. Ward is a player that does not give up on a play and he pursues the ball carrier well. He is a prospect that I expect to continue to open some eyes over the next couple of seasons.   [player_tooltip player_id='1167839' first='Tristin' last='Coon']-Quarterback-Pea Ridge-5'10” 150-Pounds   [player_tooltip player_id='1167839' first='Tristin' last='Coon'] is a signal caller that has had an impressive summer. He makes good decisions with the football. Coon has the accuracy to fit the ball into some tight windows. Meanwhile, he is not afraid to test the opposing secondary with a vertical shot down the field. Coon knows when he needs to buy time in the pocket and extend the play. The Pea Ridge signal caller has had a strong summer and I expect that momentum to keep going over the next few seasons. He is a player to watch out for in the future.   [player_tooltip player_id='1288438' first='Brandon' last='Gibson']-Linebacker-Jonesboro-5'10” 170-Pounds   The Jonesboro Hurricane never seem to have a problem producing talented players on both sides of the ball. [player_tooltip player_id='1288438' first='Brandon' last='Gibson'] does an impressive job at the linebacker spot for the Hurricane. He reads the play well and puts himself in position to make the tackle. Gibson has the speed to get away from blocks and disrupt the offensive backfield. Gibson can plug up the rushing lanes or drop back into pass coverage with impressive effectiveness. He is a linebacker to watch out for over the next few months.   [player_tooltip player_id='694032' first='Aden' last='McDaniel']-Athlete-Bauxite-5'8” 160-Pounds   [player_tooltip player_id='694032' first='Aden' last='McDaniel'] is another talented prospect that Bauxite has had no trouble of producing over the past few years. McDaniel is a versatile player with the potential to see playing time on both sides of the ball. At the running back position, McDaniel does a great job of seeing the rushing lane develop and explodes through the hole. Meanwhile, on the defensive side of the ball he handles the linebacker spot with good efficiency. McDaniel has the speed to haul down the ball carrier and make stops in the offensive backfield. McDaniel is a player to watch out for over the next few seasons.

The class of 2027 in the state of Arkansas is just beginning to take shape. However, that does not mean that we do not have prospects flying under the radar. As we do each month, we are going to highlight several prospects to keep an eye on over the next few months.