Week Eight Scouting Report

It's crunch time in the state of Arkansas, where wins are a must in seeding and playoff appearances. Last week, plenty of talent was on display, high-scoring games were played, and more. Our weekly scouting reports will continue to include detailed analyses of key players to monitor for the week in question, potential risers, or promising prospects who may not have garnered significant attention thus far and should watch as the season grows. Here are seven prospects to watch:    [player_tooltip player_id='986293' first='Demond' last='Hicks'] had an outstanding performance last week, making 4 receptions for 113 yards (28.3 YPC) and scoring 1 touchdown. In addition to playing as a wide receiver, he can also play as a defensive back. Offensively, he's a vertical threat due to good acceleration off the line of scrimmage to eat up space quickly and get over the top. Solid hand-eye coordination and body control to adjust mid-route with the ability to be dangerous after the catch. They face Arkansas High on the road this week.   Offer List: Arkansas-Monticello   Note – 3.0 GPA   X: <a href="https://x.com/D1Demond/status/1848191684523241843">https://x.com/D1Demond/status/1848191684523241843</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='215085' first='Jay' last='Purifoy'] continues to dominate out wide and at the running back position. Last week, he showcased his receiving skills with 6 receptions for 92 yards (15.3 YPC) and 3 touchdowns. Purifoy displays good athletic ability due to good foot speed, change of direction, lateral agility, and acceleration, along with good hands and smooth route running. They face Ashdown on the road this week.   Offer List: Arkansas Baptist, Bethel College, Hendrix, Vermilion & Wright State   Note – 3.3 GPA   X: <a href="https://x.com/jaypur1foy/status/1848190057376784871">https://x.com/jaypur1foy/status/1848190057376784871</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='1206731' first='Kaleb' last='Stancil'] continues to display his sideline-to-sideline motor with good pursuit. Last week, he racked in 12 tackles (6 solo), 4 TFLs, and 3 Sacks. Stancil showcases a quick first step to read and react and then instantly attacks the football with good angles downhill. He has a good change of direction in coverage with awareness and knows how to fill gaps quickly and physically while staying square. He demonstrates good technique and consistency while tackling in space. They face Lamar on the road this Friday Night.   Note – 4.75 40   X: <a href="https://x.com/Kaleb_Stancil/status/1848139066816262168">https://x.com/Kaleb_Stancil/status/1848139066816262168</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='1257467' first='Zavier' last='Jones'] does it all at wide receiver, defensive back, and special teams. Last week, he showcased his elusiveness in space post-catch due to his good foot speed and lateral agility. At defensive back, he displays solid read and react ability, instantly breaking on the ball, forcing a PBU, attacking downhill, and making a play in space. They face Dumas on the road this week.   Note - 4.5 40   X: <a href="https://x.com/ZavierJones08/status/1848066829723287990">https://x.com/ZavierJones08/status/1848066829723287990</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='1362784' first='Demarco' last='Moore'] dominated at receiver last week with 8 receptions for 68 yards (8.5 YPC). Moore displays good hand-eye coordination, body control, and strong hands when adjusting mid-route or catch vs contest. He's elusive in space, becoming a YAC threat due to good change of direction, balance, and burst. They face Jacksonville at home this Friday night.   Offer List: Arkansas Baptist, Howard & Vermillion Community College.   Note – Multi Positon Athlete   X: <a href="https://x.com/Demarco444444/status/1847748772136124758">https://x.com/Demarco444444/status/1847748772136124758</a>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Matchup to Watch: RB [player_tooltip player_id='1421353' first='Jalen' last='Smith'] (Marion) vs RB [player_tooltip player_id='1195565' first='Isaiah' last='Stephens'] (Sheridan)</h2>    [player_tooltip player_id='1421353' first='Jalen' last='Smith']'s performance this season has been impressive, including 126 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns in the previous game. His impactful contributions to the team's offensive success reflect his skills. Smith displays solid post-snap vision to read first-level defenders and locate the running lane, demonstrating his good burst to attack the hole quickly. He is physical at the POA, as he will break tackles consistently due to his good balance, leg drive, and toughness. He can also be a threat in the passing game due to his ability to gain yards after the catch.   Note – 4.6 40   X: <a href="https://x.com/SmithJalen4/status/1848173039675916439">https://x.com/SmithJalen4/status/1848173039675916439</a>     Despite being in the class of 2027, [player_tooltip player_id='1195565' first='Isaiah' last='Stephens'] is one of the best prospects in the state of Arkansas, maybe even the country. Last week, he had 28 carries for 226 yards (8.1 YPC) and 2 touchdowns, along with 10 receptions for 202 yards and 3 touchdowns. Overall, Stephens is an elusive running back with very good athletic ability due to very good foot speed, foot quickness, balance, explosiveness, good lateral agility, and COD. Stephens displays good post-snap vision to read first- and second-level defenders due to his good vision in identifying his run lane on Zone runs with good mental processing and patience to follow the lead blocker on inside Gap runs. His lateral agility and balance make him a multi-cut running back who can plant and accelerate upfield quickly, bursting through the crease to the second level. Stephens' breakaway speed at the second level is impressive. Strong hands with good hand-eye coordination that make him a threat in the receiving game. His ability to outmaneuver linebackers with fluid route running is notable. He's hard to adjust to and scheme for each week.   Offer List: Arkansas State, Central Arkansas & SMU   Note – 4.4 40   X: <a href="https://x.com/zay_quicksand/status/1848000611356180737">https://x.com/zay_quicksand/status/1848000611356180737</a>

It's crunch time in the state of Arkansas, where wins are a must in seeding and playoff appearances. Last week, plenty of talent was on display, high-scoring games were played, and more. Our weekly scouting reports will continue to include detailed analyses of key players to monitor for the week in question, potential risers, or promising prospects who may not have garnered significant attention thus far and should watch as the season grows. Here are seven prospects to watch: