Mid-Season Evaluation: Future Stars in the Natural State

We look at Arkansas's future stars as we hit the mid-way mark for both Junior High and High School football. Ranging from the class of 2027 and up, these classes have a bright future in multiple positions. Here are five prospects to watch as we progress through the 2024 season:    [player_tooltip player_id='1509016' first='Kambrien' last='Blackmon'] is rising up my board and looking like a future D1 prospect. Blackmon has experience at the slot, X/Z positions outside, and occasionally plays running back. He displays a good release due to good burst, acceleration, and footwork. He's able to eat up space quickly due to good foot quickness. He can create separation off his breaks due to good COD, lateral agility, balance, and burst, giving his quarterback a window. He can hurt you vertically, showcasing his foot speed to blow right past you. Good hand-eye coordination, body control, and strong hands to adjust mid-route, catch vs contest, becoming an RZ threat.   Note - 3.4 GPA   <a href="https://twitter.com/kamblackmon/status/1835810853477584906">https://twitter.com/kamblackmon/status/1835810853477584906</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='1509083' first='LaMari'on' last='Robinson'] has been flying under the radar until recently when he caught my eye with his impressive motor and play strength. He displays solid initial quickness and pad level off the snap with good UOH to create leverage and drive his defender due to good lower body strength and active feet. Robinson can easily displace defenders off base, down, and combo blocks, creating running lanes consistently. He's a young prospect to watch.   Note - Multi Position Athlete   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/LRobinson71_/status/1836233754043359308 </div></figure>     [player_tooltip player_id='1326026' first='Xavier' last='Freeman'] has been dominant so far this season, creating pancakes, running lanes, and protecting his quarterback. Freeman displays good initial quickness off the snap. Solid pad level, good hand placement, and active feet when engaging off the snap to displace defenders and create holes for the ball carriers. He showcases a strong anchor in pass protection due to good lower body strength, balance, and UOH to control the opposition.   Note – Multi Sport Athlete   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/XavierF__5/status/1839696511963222525 </div></figure>     [player_tooltip player_id='1509085' first='Bentley' last='Renick'] is a very young, dual-threat quarterback who has been showcasing his arm talent early this season. Renick displays a strong arm with solid ball placement at all levels of the field. He is able to lead his receivers with anticipation. He has solid athletic ability, as he can tuck and run or dominate on the ground with quarterback-designed runs.   Note - Multi Sport Athlete   <a href="https://twitter.com/BentleyRen2/status/1839502577873915929">https://twitter.com/BentleyRen2/status/1839502577873915929</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='1398638' first='Ethan' last='Jones'] is a force in the trenches and physical at the point of attack. Jones holds a 74" wingspan. He displays solid footwork and good hand placement to create leverage off the snap and displace his defenders to create running lanes. Solid motor and play strength. Strong anchor due to solid balance, lower body strength, and UOH.   Note - 74" Wingspan   <a href="https://twitter.com/EthanJones2028/status/1827709056422940768">https://twitter.com/EthanJones2028/status/1827709056422940768</a>

We look at Arkansas's future stars as we hit the mid-way mark for both Junior High and High School football. Ranging from the class of 2027 and up, these classes have a bright future in multiple positions. Here are five prospects to watch as we progress through the 2024 season: