Recruiting News and Notes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The high school regular season kicks off this week in the Natural State. Prep Redzone Arkansas will be covering the season from every angle. Meanwhile, the recruiting news comes out quickly this time of year as well. The Natural State has plenty of prospects with the ability to see playing time on Saturdays in the future. Here are a few players making recruiting headlines this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1155131' first='TJ' last='Hodges']-Running Back-Marked Tree-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1155131' first='TJ' last='Hodges'] is one of the most explosive running backs in the class of 2026. Hodges has great vision and finds the rushing lanes quickly. He has the ability to make opposing defenders miss. Hodges can carry the ball between the tackles or cut the run down the sideline. Earlier in the week, Hodges earned a scholarship offer from the Washington Huskies. He is a running back that I expect to have a strong 2024 football season. He is a player to watch out for this season on the recruiting trail as well as on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='401208' first='Samuel' last='Hicks']-Offensive Line-Booneville-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Booneville offensive lineman has impressive speed out of the snap. He uses his hands well to drive opposing defenders backwards. Hicks excels at opening rushing lanes for his running backs. The Booneville offensive lineman has been invited to attend a football game at Arkansas Tech University this upcoming season. Hicks is an offensive line prospect to watch out for during the season. He should help anchor a powerful Booneville rushing attack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='436453' first='Briar' last='Gadberry']-Linebacker-Clinton-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='436453' first='Briar' last='Gadberry'] does a great job of using his speed to get sideline to sideline. He fends off blocks in an impressive fashion. Gadberry reads and reacts to the play quickly. He knows when to plug up the rushing lane. Gadberry has the ability to disrupt the passing game, whether it be in coverage or pressuring the opposing quarterback. The Clinton linebacker earned a scholarship offer from Hendrix College earlier in the week. He is a player to watch out for this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='413517' first='Anthony' last='Kennedy']-Defensive Line-Maumelle-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Maumelle defensive line prospect is one of the most talented defensive prospects in the state. He explodes off of the line of scrimmage and gets into the offensive back with impressive speed. Kennedy has the ability to completely blow up an opponent's offensive attack. He sets the edge well. Meanwhile, he is a defensive lineman that will live in the offensive backfield. Earlier in the week, Kennedy earned a scholarship offer from the Michigan Wolverines. He has the potential to have an excellent season for the Hornets this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1011735' first='Cameron' last='Cunningham']-Defensive Back-Rogers-2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1011735' first='Cameron' last='Cunningham'] had an excellent summer. Every time he stepped on the field this summer he performed well. Cunningham has tremendous field awareness. He knows exactly where he is on the field and uses it to his advantage. Cunningham uses his hands well in coverage. He will bump opposing wide receivers off of the routes being run. Cunningham is not afraid to play opposing wide receivers aggressively. The Rogers cornerback committed to Drake University earlier in the week. I expect a big season from Cunningham.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->