Arkansas HSFB 5A/2A Quarterfinals – Prospects to Watch

It is the quarterfinal week for Class 5A and 2A in Arkansas high school football. The path to the state championship becomes clearer but more challenging than ever. Here are five prospects to watch during the quarterfinals.    [player_tooltip player_id='1257686' first='Payton' last='Thomason'] aims to strengthen the defensive line this week following a season-ending injury to a teammate on the defensive line. Thomason and others will need to step up in the game against Morrilton this Friday night. He is lengthy and has a solid burst off the snap. He effectively uses his hands to create leverage, allowing him to shed blockers and make plays at the line of scrimmage. Keep an eye on him this week as a potential impact player.   Note - 3.1 GPA   X: <a href="https://x.com/paytonthomason1">https://x.com/paytonthomason1</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='630037' first='Russel' last='Luna'] and Camden Fairview are facing Farmington in their quarterfinal matchup. Luna showcases solid initial quickness off the snap, demonstrating solid hand placement and leg drive to create leverage and clear running lanes. Additionally, he has a strong anchor in pass protection, due to his good lower body strength and balance.   Note - 3.4 GPA   X: <a href="https://x.com/russel_c2025">https://x.com/russel_c2025</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='1561721' first='Lathan' last='Compton'] is a versatile prospect who plays both linebacker and running back. As a running back, he shows solid post-snap vision, allowing him to quickly identify running lanes from inside to outside. He possesses solid burst and foot speed, enabling him to attack gaps and evade first-level defenders. As a linebacker, Compton demonstrates a sideline-to-sideline motor, consistently making plays on the football. They face Mount Ida this week.   Note - Multi Sport Athlete   X: <a href="https://x.com/lathanncompton">https://x.com/lathanncompton</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='1235749' first='Gabrial' last='Boyle'] is a sideline-to-sideline linebacker known for his solid foot speed and ability to read the field. He is physical at the point of attack and consistently fills gaps. Boyle demonstrates a solid ability to read and react, quickly attacking downhill against the run or making plays in space when arriving at the catch point. They face Junction City this week.   Offer List: Hendrix & Lyon   Note – 3.8 GPA   X: <a href="https://x.com/BoyleGabrial">https://x.com/BoyleGabrial</a>     [player_tooltip player_id='1514701' first='Dakylan' last='Hampton'] is a big-bodied receiver who can be positioned at either the X or Z spot and is currently flying under the radar in the playoffs. He has a quick release and can create significant separation on his breaks, due to his good change of direction, lateral agility, balance, and burst. He has no wasted movement in his routes, making him a fluid route runner capable of expanding his route tree. Hampton also possesses good hand-eye coordination, body control, and strong hands, allowing him to adjust mid-route and make catches even when contested. He has the potential to be a valuable Red Zone target or a reliable option on third downs.   Note – 3.3 GPA   X: <a href="https://x.com/dakylan8">https://x.com/dakylan8</a>    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Gcei9PBWoAAr0PE.jpg?w=680" alt="" class="wp-image-1561730" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Arkansas Activities Association</figcaption></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/11/Gce0yuXWcAAKEN5.jpg?w=680" alt="" class="wp-image-1561731" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Arkansas Activities Association</figcaption></figure>

It is the quarterfinal week for Class 5A and 2A in Arkansas high school football. The path to the state championship becomes clearer but more challenging than ever. Here are five prospects to watch during the quarterfinals.