Across the Nation: Evaluating Next Level Talent (AR, TX & CA)

<p>The evaluation and recruiting cycle is 24/7, 365 days a year. 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>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Arkansas:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1662659' first='Cayden' last='Kelly'] is a young running back prospect who plays north and south post-snap. He rushed for over 600 yards and scored 12 touchdowns in 2024. Kelly displays solid post-snap vision, quickly locating running lanes and having the patience to let them develop. He showcases good contact balance and leg drive, churning his legs for extra yards at the POA and breaking tackles consistently. Keep an eye on him throughout his young career.</p>   <p>Note - 3.7 GPA</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CaydenKelly24/status/1915800194118992004 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1530896' first='Quentin' last='Lavalais'] is going to break out in 2025. He's a sideline-to-sideline linebacker with good physicality at the POA. Lavalais displays good read-and-react skills, staying square while filling gaps to make tackles at the LOS or in the backfield. He has the foot speed and angles to chase down ball carriers effectively. In coverage, Lavalais shows solid lateral quickness, change of direction, and burst, allowing him to position himself to make plays on the football. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.7 GPA</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/LavalaisQuentin/status/1875741029925801990 </div></figure>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Texas:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1662963' first='Jaden' last='Withered'] is an offensive guard with very good size for the next level. He displays solid initial quickness in his base and reach blocks, utilizing good angles, hand placement, and pad level to create leverage, drive, and displace with active feet to create running lanes. Withered uses his quickness to set up his jump and 45 pass sets with a strong punch to throw pass rushers off rhythm, and he can anchor due to solid lower body strength, balance, and UOH to control. Add him to your board.</p>   <p>Note - Multi Position Athlete</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jadenwithered74/status/1884351272641335363 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1662967' first='Tristan' last='Beal'] is a hidden talent in Texas. In 2024, he completed 89 out of 123 passes (72%), with 1,263 yards, 18 touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He's a Pro-Style quarterback who showcases the ability to control the line of scrimmage pre-snap. Beal displays good and quick decision-making post-snap, quickly identifies coverages, and delivers the ball with good ball placement at all levels of the field. He can differentiate between velocity and touch to lay the football over second-level defenders. Add him to your recruiting board. (If I were a head coach or general manager, I would consider talking to him.) </p>   <p>Note - Honorable Mention All-District in 2024</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Tristanbeal01/status/1863271471570669658 </div></figure>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">California:</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Tyler Cromartie, the son of former NFL defensive back Antonio Cromartie, recently received his first scholarship offer from Georgia Tech in March, and it likely won't be his last. Cromartie is an athletic defensive back who excels in press and zone coverage, displaying good recovery speed. He showcases solid UOH off the snap when in press. He's able to play over the top with solid read and react ability, often contesting at the catch point to force a PBU. He's able to transition quickly due to solid hip fluidity, change of direction, and balance throughout his coverage. </p>   <p>Note - 4.6 40</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/5starcromartie/status/1907640835652657356 </div></figure>    <p></p>

The evaluation and recruiting cycle is 24/7, 365 days a year. 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: