Defensive Prospects off to Strong Start

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The state of Arkansas has an impressive number of talented prospects that can take over a game on the defensive side of the ball. In this article, we are going to highlight several prospects that have been lighting it up on the defensive side of the ball to start the season. The linebacker position stuck out in this section. Here are several players to watch out for as the season progresses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='221259' first='Cash' last='Archer']-Linebacker-Greenwood-6'1” 222-Pounds-2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Archer has the versatility to play anywhere on the defensive side of the ball. He has the quickness to shed blocks and get into the opposing offensive backfield. Archer drops back into coverage and defends against the pass well. He does an impressive job of forcing turnovers. Archer has racked up 20 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 6 hurries, 2 forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery this season. I expect him to finish out the 2024 season in strong fashion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='701205' first='Kaleb' last='Roach']-Defensive Back-Magnolia-5'11” 184-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Magnolia defensive back has had a solid start to the 2024 football season. He has put on display an impressive range in the secondary. Roach uses his quickness well to stay with opposing wide receivers. Roach has the talent to completely shut down one side of the field to opposing quarterbacks. He has displayed the ability to move and help bring down the opposing running backs. Roach is a player to watch out for in conference play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206731' first='Kaleb' last='Stancil']-Linebacker-Pottsville-5'9” 180-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1206731' first='Kaleb' last='Stancil'] is a linebacker that possesses the speed to get sideline to sideline quickly. He has no problem disrupting both the opponents rushing as well as the passing attack. Stancil sheds blocks and gets to the ball carrier for the tackle. Last week against Clarksville, Stancil racked up 15 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and 1 sack. He has the potential to have a strong season for Pottsville. Stancil is a player to watch out for over the next few seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='492903' first='Peyton' last='Taylor']-Linebacker-Star City-5'11” 183-Pounds-2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='492903' first='Peyton' last='Taylor'] is a prospect that does a little bit of everything for the Star City Bulldogs. He has made an impact on both sides of the ball this season. Putting in work at the running back as well as the linebacker positions. Last week, Taylor carried the ball 28 times for 213 yards and 2 touchdowns. Meanwhile, he was active on the defensive side of the ball as well. Taylor racked up 6 tackles and displayed impressive range in the process. Taylor is a prospect to watch out for as the conference season gets going.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1318008' first='William' last='Lucas']-Linebacker-Piggott-6'2” 235-Pounds-2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1318008' first='William' last='Lucas'] has the versatility to play on both sides of the ball for Piggott. He sheds blocks quickly and has no problem bringing down the ball carrier. Lucas displays the ability to read the play and puts himself in position to make the tackle. Last week, Lucas racked up 6 tackles, 10 assists on tackles, and 1 tackle for loss. He can plug up the rushing lanes or drop back into coverage. Lucas is a player to watch out for this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->