Putting in the Work

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2025 football season is just days away. However, benefit games are taking place all across the Natural State this week. In this edition of Putting in the Work, we highlight several prospects who had strong performances in benefit games this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1189932' first='Kyler' last='Shelby']-Quarterback-Bryant-6'1” 170-Pounds-2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1189932' first='Kyler' last='Shelby'] has had strong camp performances to close out the summer. He has had no problem keeping the momentum rolling as the fall season gets ready to crank up. The Bryant signal caller had a solid showing against Camden Fairview this week. Shelby fit the ball into tight coverage throughout the game and connected on a 50-yard touchdown pass. He is a prospect to watch out for over the next two seasons for the Hornets.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1195586' first='William' last='Gaines']-Linebacker-Searcy-5'11” 210-Pounds-2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Searcy linebacker had a terrific season in 2024 and are expectations are high for an even more impressive 2025 season. Gaines was locked in against Wynne in the benefit game this week. Gaines showcased good speed and ability to read the play. He does a great job of getting to the ball carrier. Gaines can drop back into pass coverage or consistently get into the offensive backfield. Gaines is setting the stage for a great season in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1241685' first='Champ' last='Davis']-Athlete-Greenwood-5'10” 181-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season, [player_tooltip player_id='1241685' first='Champ' last='Davis'] racked up almost 1,300 yards receiving for the Greenwood Bulldogs. Davis uses his speed well to create separation from opposing defensive backs. In the benefit game against Fayetteville, Davis had another strong performance. He had six receptions for 75 yards, one rush for two yards, and one touchdown. Davis is a prospect to watch out for this season with the Bulldogs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1252919' first='Walker' last='Shields']-Wide Receiver-Sheridan-6'0” 174-Pounds-2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1252919' first='Walker' last='Shields'] uses crisp routes to create separation from opposing defensive backs. Shields had a solid performance against Malvern in the benefit contest this week. Against the Leopard, Shields hauled in two receptions with one being for a touchdown. Shields has the potential to have an impressive season with the Yellowjackets. Shields is a player to watch out for this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1338082' first='Jace' last='Bohannan']-Quarterback-Lake Hamilton-6'0” 175-Pounds-2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1338082' first='Jace' last='Bohannan'] has impressed me at each camp he has attended this summer. He looks to be building momentum going into the 2025 season. He is a signal caller who uses his mobility well to pick up yards on the ground and extend the play. In the benefit game against Hot Springs, Bohannan had the opportunity to showcase his arm. Bohannan threw for 128 yards and two touchdowns against the Trojans. Bohannan is a player to watch out for over the next three years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->