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Natural State Uncovered Prospects #1

Natural State Uncovered Prospects #1
Colton Edwards
Colton Edwards February 17, 2025 @ 02:41 PM
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In this article:

Connor Blankenship
Connor Blankenship 5'11" | 150 lbs | DB | 2027
AR
Simeon Trotter
Simeon Trotter 5'9" | 170 lbs | WR | 2026
AR
Derrick Simmons
Derrick Simmons 5'8" | 150 lbs | DB/ATH | 2028
AR
Aidan Eller
Aidan Eller 5'9" | 265 lbs | DL | 2026
AR
Luis Woods
Luis Woods 5'11" | 200 lbs | LB | 2026
AR
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At Prep Redzone, we focus on uncovering the hidden gems, the under-the-radar athletes who deserve recognition but often go unnoticed due to various factors. These prospects can compete at the next level, be it D1, D2, D3, NAIA, or JUCO, showcasing their considerable talents. Here are five prospects to add to your recruiting board:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1591710"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67b39ea56acac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1591710' first='Derrick' last='Simmons'] is versatile in the secondary, including off-ball corner and safety. His experience is intriguing, and if he continues to develop, he could be a player to watch in 2025. He plays with high energy, chasing down ball carriers and making plays in space. He reacts quickly to the ball when it's in the air, positioning himself effectively to contest catches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note - Multi Position Athlete</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Dsimmons2028/status/1882783387813105984","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Dsimmons2028/status/1882783387813105984 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1553869"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67b39ea56ad09"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1553869' first='Aidan' last='Eller'] is a stout nose guard who can also play in the 1-3 technique due to his power and quickness off the snap. He demonstrates solid pad level, good lower body strength, and active feet, allowing him to effectively bullrush the interior and create pressure. He plays with a high motor as he will chase down ball carriers and quarterbacks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note - 585 Squat</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ADog5626","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ADog5626 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1094800"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67b39ea56ad52"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1094800' first='Luis' last='Woods'] is a physical Mike linebacker with solid read-and-react skills. He effectively diagnoses plays in the backfield and attacks downhill against the run while staying square at the point of attack. He is physical, able to quickly shed blocks and make plays either in the backfield or at the line of scrimmage. Keep an eye on him throughout 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note - 3.5 GPA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/luiswoods31/status/1884642243744505952","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/luiswoods31/status/1884642243744505952 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1625054"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67b39ea56ad98"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1625054' first='Simeon' last='Trotter'] is a significant threat for yards after catch (YAC), especially when lining up in the slot. He can effectively be utilized in motion to draw the attention of defenders. After making the catch, he demonstrates good change of direction (COD), balance, and burst to quickly advance upfield. Trotter is elusive in open space and can create separation off his breaks due to his COD, balance, and foot quickness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note - Multi Position Athlete</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/SimeonTrotter/status/1855660759860076913","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/SimeonTrotter/status/1855660759860076913 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1625063"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67b39ea56adde"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1625063' first='Connor' last='Blankenship'] plays with a sideline-to-sideline motor, using his effort to chase down ball carriers and cover the entire field. This young prospect aims to make significant improvements over the summer. He demonstrates solid read and reaction skills from the defensive back position and has experience as a wide receiver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Note - Multi Position Athlete</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/iamConnorBlank/status/1720998413066457499","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/iamConnorBlank/status/1720998413066457499 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

At Prep Redzone, we focus on uncovering the hidden gems, the under-the-radar athletes who deserve recognition but often go unnoticed due to various factors. These prospects can compete at the next level, be it D1, D2, D3, NAIA, or JUCO, showcasing their considerable talents. Here are five prospects to add to your recruiting board:

Derrick Simmons

Derrick Simmons

AR
DB/ATH
HEIGHT 5'8"
WEIGHT 150
POS DB/ATH
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Derrick
Simmons DB/ATH
Class
2028
Height
5'8"
Weight
150
HS
North Little Rock
|
AR
Natural State Uncovered Prospects #1
Derrick Simmons is versatile in the secondary, including off-ball corner and safety. His experience is intriguing, and if...
Written by Colton Edwards
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Derrick Simmons

Instagram Twitter
State: Arkansas
School: North Little Rock
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Aidan Eller

Aidan Eller

AR
DL
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 265
POS DL
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Aidan
Eller DL
Class
2026
Height
5'9"
Weight
265
HS
Gentry
|
AR
Natural State Uncovered Prospects #1
Aidan Eller is a stout nose guard who can also play in the 1-3 technique due to his...
Written by Colton Edwards
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Aidan Eller

Instagram Twitter
State: Arkansas
School: Gentry
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Luis Woods

Luis Woods

AR
LB
HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 200
POS LB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Luis
Woods LB
Class
2026
Height
5'11"
Weight
200
HS
Warren
|
AR
Natural State Uncovered Prospects #1
Luis Woods is a physical Mike linebacker with solid read-and-react skills. He effectively diagnoses plays in the backfield...
Written by Colton Edwards
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Luis Woods

State: Arkansas
School: Warren
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Simeon Trotter

Simeon Trotter

AR
WR
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 170
POS WR
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Simeon
Trotter WR
Class
2026
Height
5'9"
Weight
170
HS
North Little Rock
|
AR
Natural State Uncovered Prospects #1
Simeon Trotter is a significant threat for yards after catch (YAC), especially when lining up in the slot....
Written by Colton Edwards
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Simeon Trotter

State: Arkansas
School: North Little Rock
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Connor Blankenship

Connor Blankenship

AR
DB
HEIGHT 5'11"
WEIGHT 150
POS DB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Connor
Blankenship DB
Class
2027
Height
5'11"
Weight
150
HS
Benton
|
AR
Natural State Uncovered Prospects #1
Connor Blankenship plays with a sideline-to-sideline motor, using his effort to chase down ball carriers and cover the...
Written by Colton Edwards
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Connor Blankenship

State: Arkansas
School: Benton
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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