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<p>We are so back. Week 0 brought a lot of excitement throughout the state with guys showcasing their undeniable talents on Friday night. Below are 15 players whose talents were put on full display to start their young seasons.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='264998' first='Marcus' last='Wimberly'] | ATH | Bauxite | 2025</h2>
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<p>Week 0 stat line:</p>
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<p>Offense: 14 rushes, 167 yards, 5 TDs | 3/6 passing, 1 INT</p>
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<p>Defense: 5 tackles</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='264998' first='Marcus' last='Wimberly'] (6-1, 170) is one of the more polished prospects in the state, making a significant impact for the Miners on both sides of the ball. Committed to Oklahoma as a defensive back, Wimberly showcases his explosiveness on offense, blending a tough running style with impressive speed. On defense, he is a standout, "quarterbacking" the secondary with exceptional football IQ and a keen ability to track passes, timing his breaks perfectly for interceptions and pass breakups. Offenses often scheme away from him due to the threat he poses—a testament to his elite skill set and game-changing presence on the field.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='207208' first='Garyt' last='Odom'] | Quarterback | Fayetteville | 2025</h2>
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<p>Week 0 stat line: 364 passing yards, 3 TDs. 1 rushing TD</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='207208' first='Garyt' last='Odom'] (6-1, 185) stands out as a top talent in Arkansas as he was ranked as my third best quarterback throughout the state of Arkansas in the preseason. Odom showcases impressive skills on the field, as he progresses through his reads with such composure, demonstrating quick decision-making. His footwork and pocket mobility allow him to evade pressure while keeping his focus downfield, delivering accurate throws. Odom can hit all levels of the field with touch, anticipation, and precise ball placement while also excelling in creating YAC opportunities for his receivers with smart decision-making and timing on throws across the middle.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1134117' first='Noah' last='Wendel'] | Linebacker | Valley View | 2026</h2>
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<p>Week 0 stat line: 6 tackles, 2 TFL</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1134117' first='Noah' last='Wendel'] (6-2, 200) is a dominant force on the field, known for his elite quickness off the snap that makes him a challenge for any offensive line to contain. His explosive initial impact, combined with extraordinary speed, allows him to disrupt hand-offs and create chaos in the backfield. Wendel's relentless pursuit gives the ball carriers little time to react, and his ability to close in on plays, whether it's wide receiver screens or runs to the edge, is remarkable for a defensive end. With a rare blend of speed, power, and agility Wendel is a recruit that will continue to drive interest.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1157296' first='Titus' last='Cramer'] | ATH | Springdale Har-Ber | 2026</h2>
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<p>Week 0 stat line: 238 all-purpose yards, 3 total TD's</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1157296' first='Titus' last='Cramer'] (5-10, 185) demonstrates exceptional speed and elusiveness, coupled with impressive acceleration. His ability to swiftly navigate through traffic with sharp jump cuts and rapid change of direction often leaves defenders struggling to keep up. Additionally, Cramer possesses the strength to drive through the defense and push the pile effectively. Known for his tough running style, he excels as a natural ball carrier, combining agility with physicality to consistently gain yards and challenge opposing defenses.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='739072' first='Rylan' last='Mcnamee'] | Linebacker | Valley View | 2026</h2>
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<p>Week 0 stat line: 6 tackles, 1.5 TFL</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='739072' first='Rylan' last='Mcnamee'], a 6'1″, 210-pound powerhouse, brings a an explosive, edgy playing style directly off the snap with his impressive burst. Positioned on the edge, McNamee becomes a disruptive force, consistently pressuring quarterbacks and targeting running backs right after the hand-off. His relentless effort and determination to play through the whistle are evident, often pursuing ball carriers 15+ yards downfield. McNamee's aggressive nature and competitive spirit make him a standout on the field, with the ability to excel at any level. His combination of speed, power, and tenacity allows him to dominate in various defensive roles, making him a versatile and impactful player.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='232211' first='Brandon' last='Cobb'] | Quarterback | Pulaski Academy | 2025 </h2>
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<p>Week 0 stat line: 37/52, 478 yards, 5 TDs</p>
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<p>Pulaski Academy has a reputation for developing quarterbacks with sharp decision-making skills, and [player_tooltip player_id='232211' first='Brandon' last='Cobb'] (6-4, 205) is a prime example. Cobb, known for his strong arm and precision, started the 2024 season with a nearly 500-yard game. He excels in reading defenses post-snap, leveraging his high football IQ to exploit defensive weaknesses and find open receivers. Additionally, Cobb's ability to use his legs enhances his game, allowing him to make impact runs and extend plays while keeping his eyes downfield for open targets.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='338065' first='Creed' last='Vega'] | ATH | Dardanelle | 2026</h2>
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<p>Week 0 stat line: 7 rushes, 131 yards, 3 TDs | 2 passings TDs | 1 rec, 44 yards, 1 TD</p>
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<p>Portrayed by his impressive stat line from Friday night, [player_tooltip player_id='338065' first='Creed' last='Vega'] (6-1, 190) brings an elite sense of versatility to any offense. As a quarterback his elusiveness is a trait that causes defenses fits with his quickness and speed when he tucks it. Vega doesn't simply rely on his legs to get the job done but has the awareness to decipher defensive coverage's and to identify windows to hit receivers in. However, if those windows never open look for this dynamic player to tuck it and pull off explosive play after play. </p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1152116' first='Owen' last='McLaughlin'] | Running Back | Southside | 2026</h2>
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<p>Week 0 stat line: 28 rushes, 230 yards, 1 2pt</p>
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<p>By season's end [player_tooltip player_id='1152116' first='Owen' last='McLaughlin'] (5-8, 280) will rank in the top echelon of running backs in terms of the amount of touches he receives this season. McLaughlin's has a quick initial burst through gaps and does a great job of creating second level separation into the secondary. He showcases impressive jump cuts and patience post-snap as he weaves through traffic to hit daylight with great balance through initial contact while showcasing his elusiveness in the open-field.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rickey Love | Running Back | Searcy | 2025</h2>
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<p>Week 0 stat line: 17 rushes, 169 yards, 1 TD</p>
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<p>Rickey Love is a strong runner between the tackles, exhibiting quick jump cuts and a decisive ability to hit holes with authority. In the open field, he displays sneaky quickness, effectively challenging linebackers and absorbing contact with toughness. Love's impressive jab step allows him to explode out of his cuts, enabling him to swiftly change direction and capitalize on cutback lanes. His combination of agility, vision, and physicality makes him a dynamic presence in the run game.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Curtis Goodrich | Running Back | Searcy | 2026</h2>
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<p>Week 0 stat line: 20 rushes, 176 yards, 4 TDs</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1227660' first='Cain' last='Price'] | Quarterback | Stuttgart | 2027</h2>
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<p>Week 0 stat line: 17/24, 223 yards, 2 TDs | 6 rushes, 53 yards, 2 TDs</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1227660' first='Cain' last='Price'] (6-1, 170) known for his accuracy, he shows great confidence in his precision and decision making threading the neede through defensive coverage. He has a sneaky sense of mobility when he tucks and runs. Following this strong performance, the future continues to get brighter for this signal caller. Look for his confidence and awareness to continue to improve throughout the year, potentially putting him in the top 5 quarterbacks of his class sooner rather than later. </p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1421356' first='Rickey' last='Moffett'] | Defensive Back | Valley View | 2025 </h2>
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<p>Week 0 stat line: 4 PBUs, 5 tackles</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1421356' first='Rickey' last='Moffett'] (5-8, 170) showcases great quickness from the safety position with his 4.5 40 speed. He does a great job of anticipating quarterbacks and getting great jumps to close windows quickly and plays with great tenacity to make plays on 50/50 balls with great positioning. Moffett's hitting ability sets him up as an enforcer of sorts in the defensive backfield as he lays hard hits on unsuspecting wide outs focusing on making what seemed as harmless plays.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1173104' first='Carter' last='Wallace'] | ATH | Valley View | 2027</h2>
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<p>Week 0 stat line: </p>
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<p>Offense: 2 rushing TDs</p>
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<p>Defense: 5.5 tackles</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1173104' first='Carter' last='Wallace'] (5-11, 185) stands out as a dynamic and disciplined athlete with an impressive skill set. His disciplined approach to reading blocks allows him to excel in tight spaces, effectively using his lead blockers to create opportunities. Wallace's elite breakaway speed is a game-changer, consistently allowing him to break long runs to the house. Despite his speed, he demonstrates patience, waiting for his blocks to develop before accelerating. His exceptional footwork, including quick side steps and sharp jukes, make him a formidable threat on the field. </p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1163367' first='Landon' last='Morris'] | Linebacker | Alma | 2025</h2>
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<p>Week 0 stat line: 8 tackles (6 solo), 1 TFL, 1 sack, 1 PAT block</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1163367' first='Landon' last='Morris'] (6-0, 180) showcases remarkable skills in the nickel position, demonstrating excellent footwork and anticipation, particularly in defending against screen plays. As an edge rusher, he brings a dynamic presence with his impressive acceleration and speed, effectively securing sacks and pressuring the quarterback. Additionally, Morris' toughness extends to his play as a receiver, where his smooth footwork and speed make him a versatile threat. Known for his fiery demeanor and intense approach, he injects a high level of energy and aggression into the defensive unit, enhancing overall performance.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1515754' first='Talen' last='Foree'] | ATH | Batesville | 2025</h2>
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<p>Week 0 stat line: 3 tackles, 2 INTs, 1 PBU</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='1515754' first='Talen' last='Foree'] (6-0, 155) did it all for the Pioneers in the opening week of the season. As a defensive back he brings a great deal of athleticism and anticipation on balls in the air. He showcased his ability to take away 50/50 balls on Friday night with a multi-INT game to begin the year, Foree's anticipation jumps off the page with his innate ability to read quarterbacks mannerisms. </p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1618896' first='Rourke' last='Sevier'] | Linebacker | Batesville | 2027</h2>
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<p>Week 0 stat line: 7 tackles</p>
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<p>Often times the box score doesn't speak to the value a player has in the midst of game play. [player_tooltip player_id='1618896' first='Rourke' last='Sevier'] (5-8, 170) is a talent that many coaches need to heed to simply from his willingness to adapt, his innate toughness, and nose for the football. This sophomore is just getting introduced to the high school circuit, but remember this one. </p>
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We are so back. Week 0 brought a lot of excitement throughout the state with guys showcasing their undeniable talents on Friday night. Below are 15 players whose talents were put on full display to start their young seasons.
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