LR Central Tigers (AR) 2024 Team Preview

<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Overview: Class 7A Central</strong></h2>   <p>Little Rock Central is coming off their first season with head coach Anthony Robinson, carrying a 31-game losing streak over three years with offensive and defensive struggles (423 points given up and only 58 points scored in 2023). Their most recent victory was against the powerhouse Fayetteville Bulldogs during the 2020 playoffs. After a 0-9 season in 2023, they are aiming to rebound with a youthful and skillful squad. This coaching staff is bringing the positive energy and work ethic to make a run for the playoffs. Robinson's team and staff is bolstered by key players poised to aid in the rebuilding effort, including Senior Tight End [player_tooltip player_id='858815' first='Kelly' last='Smith'], Senior Wide Receiver [player_tooltip player_id='1184782' first='Kaleb' last='Fleming'], and Junior Defensive Back [player_tooltip player_id='1349746' first='Jaylon' last='Robinson'], alongside promising up-and-comers such as Sophomore transfer Defensive Back from California [player_tooltip player_id='1309317' first='Kendall' last='Hill']. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2023 Results (0-9 Record – 7A Central)</strong></h2>   <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>8/25</td><td>vs Little Rock Christian</td><td>L 63-0</td></tr><tr><td>9/1</td><td>vs Pine Bluff</td><td>L 45-13</td></tr><tr><td>9/22</td><td>vs North Little Rock*</td><td>L 63-0</td></tr><tr><td>9/29</td><td>@ Northside*</td><td>L 41-6</td></tr><tr><td>10/6</td><td>vs Bryant*</td><td>L 42-13</td></tr><tr><td>10/13</td><td>vs Cabot*</td><td>L 28-0</td></tr><tr><td>10/20</td><td>@ Conway*</td><td>L 55-0</td></tr><tr><td>10/27</td><td>vs Little Rock Southwest*</td><td>L 41-20</td></tr><tr><td>11/3</td><td>@ Jonesboro*</td><td>L 45-6</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">*Conference</figcaption></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Players To Watch:</strong></h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='858815' first='Kelly' last='Smith'] is a physically imposing and athletic tight end known for his strong hands. He displays a quick release off the line of scrimmage, showcasing good foot quickness and acceleration. His ball skills are evident at the catch point, due to good hand-eye coordination and body control, enabling him to win vs contest. Smith poses a significant threat in the Redzone and in one-on-one jump ball scenarios, particularly within bunch formations. His run blocking is formidable in open space, characterized by good angles, pad level, and physicality, coupled with a fluid route-running capability.</p>   <p><em>Offer List: Arkansas Baptist</em></p>   <p>Note – 3.9 GPA</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/kj13smith/status/1812270672246439963 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1184782' first='Kaleb' last='Fleming'] is a deep threat, capable of stretching the field with his impressive speed and athleticism. He displays good acceleration off the snap, quickly eating up space and outpacing defenders over the top. Fleming has good body control, balance, and burst, enabling him to create separation off breaks. His contact balance and active feet allow him to maintain momentum through tackles. With his good up field burst and change of direction ability, he's a formidable yards-after-catch (YAC) threat. His motion and sweep capabilities are sure to draw defensive attention.</p>   <p>Note - 4.4 40</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Kalebfleming7/status/1812933768891756636 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1349746' first='Jaylon' last='Robinson'] is a physical defensive back with a strong willingness to tackle in open space. He displays a good sideline-to-sideline motor and utilizes good angles to pursue ball carriers. He demonstrates a solid ability to read and react quickly, enabling him to disrupt passes and force pass break-ups effectively.</p>   <p>Note - 4.48 40</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jrockallaround/status/1722093178793189706 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1309317' first='Kendall' last='Hill'] is a fluid athlete, with an impressive sideline-to-sideline motor that showcases his speed, athleticism, and fluidity with good angles. Hill has been on the radar this summer due to him shutting down opposing wide receivers since his transfer to Little Rock Central. His athleticism and change of direction ability enable him to transition quickly and get vertical with the wide receiver or stay inside the hip pocket on a break without allowing any room for separation. Solid recovery speed along with good ball skills and use of hands. Good read-and-react ability, highlighted by his change of direction and burst, enabling him to attack downhill vs the run or arrive at the catch point to force a PBU or INT. A physical press-man corner who knows how to jam effectively with his hands and pad level. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – Just transferred from California this summer.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/KendallHill2027/status/1816292413964492912 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1155375' first='Dallas' last='Bledsoe'] is promising young running back known for his speed and athleticism. He displays good post-snap vision, quickly identifying the running lanes. His ability to make multiple cuts and move fluidly allows him to exploit open gaps effectively. With his breakaway speed, he's a threat at the second level. As a versatile three-down back, he can be beneficial in both protecting the quarterback and the receiving game. He's definitely a player to watch this year.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – Multi Sport Athlete</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DBledsoe30/status/1812957272328335807 </div></figure>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Other Notable Prospects to Watch:</strong></h2>   <p>2026 ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1349774' first='Jacob' last='Marshall']</p>   <p>2026 DB [player_tooltip player_id='1349776' first='Ja'Ryion' last='Graydon']</p>   <p>2027 WR [player_tooltip player_id='1349782' first='Micah' last='Frazier']</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2024 Schedule:</strong></h2>   <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>8/30</td><td>@ Springdale</td></tr><tr><td>9/13</td><td>@ FS Southside</td></tr><tr><td>9/20</td><td>vs Rogers Heritage</td></tr><tr><td>9/27</td><td>@ Bryant*</td></tr><tr><td>10/4</td><td>@ Pulaski Academy*</td></tr><tr><td>10/11</td><td>vs Little Rock Christian*</td></tr><tr><td>10/18</td><td>@ Conway*</td></tr><tr><td>10/25</td><td>vs North Little Rock*</td></tr><tr><td>11/1</td><td>@ Cabot*</td></tr><tr><td>11/8</td><td>vs Little Rock Southwest*</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">*Conference</figcaption></figure>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Notes/History:</strong></h2>   <p><strong>HEAD COACH: Anthony Robinson (0-9 at Little Rock Central, heading into 2nd season)</strong></p>   <p>Last Year: 0-9, 0-7</p>   <p>State Championships: 31 (Most Recent: 2004 / First: 1907)</p>   <p>Conference Championships: 31</p>   <p>Last Outright Conference Title: 2006</p>   <p>Last Playoff Appearance: 2020</p>   <p>Total Playoff Appearances: 28</p>   <p>Playoff Record: 28-25</p>