Benefit Games: Prime Time Players

The regular season has started in the Natural State. Earlier in the week, benefit games took center stage across the state. As always, we highlight the players that lit things up this week on both sides of the ball. Each Saturday, we are going to highlight the players that had strong performances during the week. Here are the prospects starting things off with a bang!   [player_tooltip player_id='1195565' first='Isaiah' last='Stephens']-Running Back-Sheridan-2027   The Prep Redzone Arkansas staff highlighted [player_tooltip player_id='1195565' first='Isaiah' last='Stephens'] earlier in the summer. Stephens is the type of running back that just gets better as the game progresses. On Tuesday night, Stephens made the most of his carries. He found the end zone 4 times on Tuesday. Stephens showcased his ability to break tackles. He broke into the open field with impressive consistency this week. The Sheridan running back is a player to watch out for this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1269489' first='Montrell' last='Martin']-Tight End-Little Rock Southwest-2025   Over the past few years, [player_tooltip player_id='1269489' first='Montrell' last='Martin'] has opened plenty of eyes with his impressive versatility on both sides of the ball. Martin has the ability to line up at multiple positions for the Gryphons. In the benefit game against Pine Bluff this week, Martin did an excellent job of creating separation from opposing defenders. He has no trouble running through tackles. Martin has the receiving ability to create separation from opposing defenders. He has the potential for a big season on both sides of the ball for Southwest.   [player_tooltip player_id='594778' first='Slade' last='Norwood']-Quarterback-Greenland-2027   The Greenland signal caller continues to display tremendous accuracy when throwing the football. On Tuesday night, Norwood looked extremely comfortable running the Greenland offense. He was 8-of-9 on the night for 174 yards and 2 touchdowns. Norwood was able to escape the pocket numerous times on Tuesday night. He did a great job of throwing while on the run. The Pirates play host to the Lincoln Wolves next Friday. Norwood is setting the stage for a big season.   [player_tooltip player_id='585569' first='Walter' last='Hicks']-Linebacker-Benton-2025   The Benton linebacker is picking up where he left off from last season. In the benefit game against Little Rock Christian, Hicks displayed his impressive ability to get into the offensive backfield. He sheds blocks quickly. Hicks uses his speed to get to and haul down the ball carrier. He does a nice job of getting to sideline to sideline. Hicks earned all-state recognition a year ago and I will not be shocked to see him earn even more recognition this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1219884' first='Jakobe' last='Boone']-Wide Receiver-Bryant-2027   [player_tooltip player_id='1219884' first='Jakobe' last='Boone'] had the opportunity to showcase his ability against Camden Fairview this week. Boone uses his quickness to his advantage to create separation from opposing defensive backs. He had a strong outing in the benefit game against Camden Fairview. Boone hauled in 2 receptions for 63 yards on the night. The Hornets always have talented prospects that can punish an opposing defense and Boone seems to fit that description perfectly.   [player_tooltip player_id='1349746' first='Jaylon' last='Robinson']-Defensive Back-Little Rock Central-2026   Little Rock Central looked impressive in earning a victory over Jacksonville in a benefit game this week. [player_tooltip player_id='1349746' first='Jaylon' last='Robinson'] had a strong showing at the safety spot this week. He is a versatile player that will likely earn playing time on both sides of the ball. Robinson does a nice job of tracking the ball while it is in the air. He can and will separate the ball from the ball carrier. Robinson is a player to watch out for this season. Little Rock Central may surprise some folks this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1399393' first='Shawn' last='Swinson']-Wide Receiver-West Fork-2026   [player_tooltip player_id='1399393' first='Shawn' last='Swinson'] made the most of the benefit game against Gentry earlier in the week. He displayed crisp route running that helped create separation from opposing defensive backs. Swinson is dangerous on comeback routes for opposing cornerbacks to account for on the field. He will slip through tackles with ease. Swinson has the ability to get into the field quickly. The West Fork wide receiver is a player to watch out for over the next couple of seasons.     [player_tooltip player_id='384054' first='Cole' last='Witherington']-Wide Receiver-Bauxite-2026   I have had the opportunity to watch [player_tooltip player_id='384054' first='Cole' last='Witherington'] several times. He does an excellent job of adjusting to the football while it is in the air. Witherington will come back for the football. He makes the tough reception look easy. The Bauxite wide receiver had an impressive benefit game against Forrest City earlier in the week. He is the type of wide receiver that will just get better the more passes are thrown his way. Witherington is a player to watch out for over the next two seasons.   [player_tooltip player_id='221259' first='Cash' last='Archer']-Linebacker-Greenwood-2025   [player_tooltip player_id='221259' first='Cash' last='Archer'] has the ability to line up all over the field for the Bulldogs. Archer has the quickness to get sideline to sideline. He pursues the ball carrier well. Archer fends off blocks well and brings down the ball carrier. He does not quit on the play. Archer will deliver punishing tacklers on a regular basis. The Greenwood linebacker had a strong 2023 season and is setting the stage for a repeat this season.   Joseph Jo Jo Accelus-Running Back-Monticello-2027   The running back position in the class of 2027 has several explosive players. Accelus fits that description perfectly. He excels at finding the perfect rushing lane to run through. Accelus does a great job of making defenders miss tackles. Monticello uses him in the passing game perfectly. He can line up at the receiver spot or just simply come out of the backfield. Accelus has the potential to put up some big numbers over the next few seasons.   Louis Calhoun-Running Back-Southside-2025   The Batesville Southside running is a versatile prospect. Calhoun has impressive vision and identifies the rushing lane quickly. Elusive running back that will make defenders miss. He has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield with impressive efficiency. Calhoun has the speed to break into the second level in the blink of an eye. He is a player to watch out for this season. I expect big numbers from Calhoun.   [player_tooltip player_id='361302' first='Grayson' last='Wilson']-Quarterback-Conway-2025   [player_tooltip player_id='361302' first='Grayson' last='Wilson'] makes playing the quarterback position look easy. The Conway signal caller continues to showcase his terrific accuracy each time he steps on the field. In the benefit game against Morrilton, Wilson went 8-of-11 for 186 yards and 3 touchdowns on the night. He continues to fit the ball into tight windows. Meanwhile, he looks to be in midseason form to start the season. Watch out for Wilson this season.

The regular season has started in the Natural State. Earlier in the week, benefit games took center stage across the state. As always, we highlight the players that lit things up this week on both sides of the ball. Each Saturday, we are going to highlight the players that had strong performances during the week. Here are the prospects starting things off with a bang!