2026 December Edition Ranking Risers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone Arkansas has recently updated the 2026 Prep Redzone Arkansas player rankings. With each rankings release, we highlight several players that have moved up the rankings over the past few months. In this article, we are going to highlight several prospects that have moved up the rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1060603' first='Ayden' last='Lester']-Quarterback-Farmington-6'0” 170-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Farmington signal caller had a tremendous season for the Cardinals. He is a player who can pick apart an opposing defense with his arm or his legs. Lester excels at extending the play. He can escape the pocket and either pick up chunks on the ground or make the throw downfield. The Cardinals will have Lester returning next season and he is a player to watch out for over the next few months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='910087' first='Kevin' last='Pope']-Linebacker-Pine Bluff-6'1” 225-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The linebacker group of prospects is a strong group. [player_tooltip player_id='910087' first='Kevin' last='Pope'] is a linebacker that fights off blocks and gets to the ball carrier. He is a player with a high-motor, and he does an excellent job of getting sideline-to-sideline. Pope gets into the offensive backfield and disrupts both the run and the pass. Meanwhile, he is a player that can be counted on to put pressure on the opposing quarterback. Pope is a player to watch out for next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='338065' first='Creed' last='Vega']-Quarterback-Dardanelle-6'1” 190-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>During the 2024 season, [player_tooltip player_id='338065' first='Creed' last='Vega'] did a terrific job of showcasing his versatility on both sides of the ball. Vega has seen playing time on both sides of the ball for the Sand Lizards. On the offensive side of the ball, he is a quarterback that makes wise decisions with the football. He is the athletic ability to use his legs to pick up yards on the ground. Meanwhile, on the defensive side of the ball, he is a linebacker that knows how to get to the ball carrier. He is not afraid to play physical with opposing players. Vega is a player to watch next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='893510' first='Keagan' last='Sanderson']-Edge-Salem-5'9” 205-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the past few seasons, [player_tooltip player_id='893510' first='Keagan' last='Sanderson'] has proven to be a defensive lineman that consistently puts pressure on the opposing quarterbacks. Sanderson uses his speed well to get into the offensive backfield. He has the agility and quickness to cause plenty of problems for opposing offensive linemen. Sanderson led the state in quarterback sacks this season and is a player to watch out for this offseason. He is a player with the potential to play on Saturdays in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1316501' first='Kevin' last='Young Jr.']-Running Back-Forrest City-5'11” 205-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1316501' first='Kevin' last='Young Jr.'] is one of the most dynamic running backs in the state of Arkansas. He is a patient running back who can carry the ball between the tackles or cut the run down the sideline. Young Jr. excels at making opposing defenders miss tackles. He can break tackles or just flat out make a juke and takes off down the sideline. Young Jr. is a running back to watch out for next season for the Mustangs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->