September Edition: Ranking Risers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>During the month of September, Prep Redzone Arkansas updates the player rankings. In this edition, we take a look at the class of 2028 updates and prospects moving up through the rankings. Here are several prospects to watch as conference play gears up this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1155564' first='Antavion' last='Gaines']-Running Back-Searcy-5'11” 195-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1155564' first='Antavion' last='Gaines'] had a great offseason and is looking to start conference play in impressive fashion this season. Gaines identifies the proper rushing lanes quickly and explodes through the holes. He excels at making opposing defenders miss tackles. Gaines is a prospect who can cause problems for opposing defenders in the passing game as well. He is a prospect to watch out for over the next few years for the Lions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1425858' first='Abe' last='Cooper']-Quarterback-Melbourne-5'10” 168-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1425858' first='Abe' last='Cooper'] is a signal caller who has impressed at camps as well as early-season matchups to start the season. Cooper has the ability to break a defense down in a number of ways. He makes good decisions with the football. Cooper throws with accuracy and fits the ball into tight windows. Meanwhile, he uses his legs to escape the pocket and pick up yards on the ground. Cooper is a prospect to watch out for over the next few years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1225068' first='Luis' last='Perez Valadez']-Running Back-Russellville-5'5” 140-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1225068' first='Luis' last='Perez Valadez'] is one of the most elusive running backs in the Natural State. He is the type of running back who allows his rushing lanes to develop before exploding through the hole. Perez Valadez makes opposing defenders miss tackles with ease. He is a prospect to watch out for with the Cyclones over the next few years. He has the potential to put big numbers on Friday nights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1432175' first='Nasir' last='Thornton']-Defensive Line-Drew Central-5'7” 203-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Drew Central prospect is a versatile player on the defensive side of the ball. He can shift from the defensive line spots to the linebacker positions with no problem at all. Thornton uses his speed to shed blocks and get into the opposing offensive backfield. He does an impressive job of getting to the ball carrier and making the tackle. He is a defensive lineman to watch out for over the next few years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1351656' first='Hudson' last='James']-Wide Receiver-Pulaski Academy-6'5 180-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1351656' first='Hudson' last='James'] is another prospect at the wide receiver spot to get excited about. He has a tremendous catch radius and can haul in anything that is thrown in his direction. James makes the tough receptions look easy. Meanwhile, he will surprise opposing defensive backs with his speed. James covers a lot of ground in a short period of time. James is a talented wide receiver to watch out for and he has the potential to put some big numbers over the next few years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->