Little Rock Mills Comets (AR) 2024 Team Preview:

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Little Rock Mills are gearing up for the 2024 season with the state championship in their sight. Keep an eye on PRZ Arkansas daily for more team previews as the 2024 football season approaches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Overview: Class 4A-2</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Little Rock Mills is coming off a successful season with a 9-3 overall record and 6-2 in conference play, setting their sights on the ultimate prize: the state championship at War Memorial Stadium. I discussed with Coach Bolden, who oversees the offensive and defensive lines, about the key needed to get over the hump and reach Little Rock in 2024. Bolden said "The role our underclassman will play in the road to the championship, they will be key to our success as well. Isiah Chambers (2026) [player_tooltip player_id='1323415' first='Cortez' last='Carter'] (2027) [player_tooltip player_id='1323417' first='Elijah' last='Moody'] (2027) [player_tooltip player_id='1185363' first='Alan' last='Hall'] (2027) [player_tooltip player_id='1323424' first='Vance' last='Cunningham'] (2026) Zamarrion McDonald (2027)." The impact of young talent is crucial for success, and it's a common trait among elite programs as they continue to build each year. Bolden also stated "It will be exciting see how LR Mills has transformed since the 2024 Class. Senior class will play a major roll this year. Playing as a team and much disciple, and we will walk to 4A Championship." I attended the PRZ Arkansas Combine at Little Rock Mills, and the buzz is that there's a lot of excitement for the 2024 season. This is despite the Comets losing several key players, including Arkansas signee Charleston Collins, quarterback Achilles Ringo, Caleb Sain, and more. Given this, Mills possesses the talent and experience necessary for a deep playoff run with the players mentioned below.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2023 Results (9-3 Record – 4A-2)</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>8/25</td><td>vs Blytheville</td><td>W 34-14</td></tr><tr><td>9/1</td><td>@ Rivercrest</td><td>W 59-34</td></tr><tr><td>9/8</td><td>@ Beebe*</td><td>W 41-8</td></tr><tr><td>9/15</td><td>@ Watson Chapel*</td><td>W 35-0</td></tr><tr><td>9/22</td><td>vs White Hall*</td><td>W 31-27</td></tr><tr><td>9/28</td><td>@ Maumelle*</td><td>L 34-28</td></tr><tr><td>10/6</td><td>@ Pine Bluff*</td><td>W 24-21</td></tr><tr><td>10/20</td><td>@ Joe T. Robinson*</td><td>W 30-21</td></tr><tr><td>10/27</td><td>vs Morrilton*</td><td>W 39-14</td></tr><tr><td>11/3</td><td>vs Vilonia*</td><td>L 36-33</td></tr><tr><td>11/10</td><td>vs Wynne**</td><td>W 35-21</td></tr><tr><td>11/17</td><td>vs Little Rock Parkview**</td><td>L 35-6</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">* Conference &amp; ** Playoffs</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players To Watch:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["580976"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6688be7d88ae6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='580976' first='Chauncey' last='Haynes'] adds speed and athleticism to the secondary, displays a good sideline-to-sideline motor and the capacity to tackle in space, due to good angles and technique. He demonstrates good read-and-react capabilities along with adept ball-tracking skills. As a boundary and slot corner, he impressively stays inside the hip pocket through breaks with his good change of direction and smooth transitions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Offer List: Henderson State &amp; Ouachita Baptist</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>'23 Stats: 57 Tackles, 2 INT's, 3 PBU's &amp; 2 TD's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note – 3.2 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/chaundo2/status/1795983540246491511","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/chaundo2/status/1795983540246491511 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1265348"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6688be7d88b68"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1265348' first='Nick' last='Carter'] displays good initial quickness off the snap and agility in space. He demonstrates solid foot quickness, pad level, and hand placement when engaging, creating leverage and driving the DL. Good in 45 and Jump sets, with the initial quickness and solid hand timing to dominate and control in one-on-one pass protection. He also shows good lower body and core strength, essential for anchoring vs pass rushers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note – 3.0 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/NixkCarter2025/status/1734742326373662998","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/NixkCarter2025/status/1734742326373662998 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- 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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6688be7d88bd7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='507120' first='Zion' last='Smith'] displays good read-and-react ability, complemented by a quick initial step. He demonstrates his speed and power when attacking downhill, taking good angles and shedding blockers with ease. He shows a solid understanding of zone coverage, maintaining coverage underneath and effectively playing the ball to force pass break-ups. His combination of power, hand technique, bend, and athleticism enable him to be a consistent presence on the edge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note: Multi-Position Athlete</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ZIONSMITH_21/status/1801443035667947843","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/1801443035667947843 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1149151"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6688be7d88c30"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1149151' first='Azayvonne' last='Stribling'] displays good read-and-react ability, quickly breaking on the ball with good change of direction and burst to force a PBU or INT. His instincts stand out and awareness standout within the secondary. With good speed, physicality and athleticism, he understands how to engage blockers with his hands and disengage to make a tackle. He is versatile, able to play both in the slot and on the boundary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Offer List: Arkansas Baptist</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note – 4.5 40</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/zaystribling/status/1782927017685721445","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/zaystribling/status/1782927017685721445 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1323431"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6688be7d88c84"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1323431' first='Rodney' last='Jackson'] embodies a skill set reminiscent of Darren Sproles. He displays good post-snap vision with an explosive burst through tackles. His agility, contact balance and change of direction enable him to quickly move north-south, evade backfield penetration or one-cut to the cutback lane. With his natural balance, strong leg drive and lateral agility, he can absorb contact and gain extra yards. In the receiving game, he has strong hands and fluid route running.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note - 3.7 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/rodney_jackso28/status/1801404491142496300","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/rodney_jackso28/status/1801404491142496300 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Other Notable Prospects to Watch: </strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1285665' first='Ian' last='Streeter']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Defensive Back Jeremy Edwards</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Defensive Back [player_tooltip player_id='1323432' first='Miles' last='Caster']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025 Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1323430' first='Malik' last='Evans']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2024 Schedule:</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td>8/30</td><td>@ Blytheville</td></tr><tr><td>9/13</td><td>vs Watson Chapel</td></tr><tr><td>9/27</td><td>@ Bald Knob*</td></tr><tr><td>10/4</td><td>@ Heber Springs*</td></tr><tr><td>10/11</td><td>vs Forrest City*</td></tr><tr><td>10/18</td><td>vs Riverview*</td></tr><tr><td>10/25</td><td>@ Little Rock Hall*</td></tr><tr><td>11/1</td><td>@ Central Arkansas Christian*</td></tr><tr><td>11/8</td><td>vs Lonoke*</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">* Conference </figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Notes/History:</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HEAD COACH: Cortez Lee (21-24 at Mills, 4th year as HC, heading into 5th season)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last Year: 9-3, 6-2 </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>State Championships: Zero</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Conference Championships: 2 </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last Outright Conference Title: 1969 </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last Playoff Appearance: 2023 </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Total Playoff Appearances: 18 </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Playoff Record: 8-18</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->