Recruiting News and Notes

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The weekend was a busy one from a recruiting perspective. In this article, we get caught up on recruiting news from around the Natural State. Here are several players who made recruiting headlines over the weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1155131' first='TJ' last='Hodges']-Running Back-Bryant-6'1” 190-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1155131' first='TJ' last='Hodges'] is one of the best running backs in the state of Arkansas. Hodges has the ability to break tackles and get to the second level quickly. He is a patient running back who follows his blockers. Over the weekend, the dynamic Bryant running back placed his commitment with the Missouri Tigers. Hodges has the potential to do big things on Saturdays in the future. Hodges is a prospect to watch out for close the season. <strong></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1593826' first='Christian' last='Johnson']-Offensive Line-Jacksonville-6'4” 300-Pounds-2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1593826' first='Christian' last='Johnson'] is a powerhouse on the offensive line for Jacksonville. Johnson has an impressive mix of power and speed which helps keeps opposing defenders at bay. He uses his hands well to drive opposing defenders backward. Johnson's impressive play has earned him an invitation to attend a game at Tennessee-Martin. Johnson is a player to watch out for over the next two years with Jacksonville.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='261127' first='Malachi' last='McDonald']-Defensive Line-Bryant-6'0” 290-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='261127' first='Malachi' last='McDonald'] is a versatile prospect on the defensive line for the Hornets. He has the ability to defend against the run or pressure the quarterback. McDonald does a great job of getting into the opposing offensive backfield. Over the weekend, the talented Bryant defensive lineman had the opportunity to take a visit to Harding University. McDonald is a player to watch as the season starts to head toward the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='731120' first='Jackson' last='Elam']-Kicker/Punter-Batesville-6'0” 170-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='731120' first='Jackson' last='Elam'] has earned the reputation as being one of the most consistent kickers in the state. Elam is a weapon on the field for Batesville. He consistently hits the deep field goal from 40-plus yards away. Meanwhile, he is able to pin opponents back consistently when he punts. Over the weekend, Elam placed his commitment with Central Arkansas. Elam is a player to watch out for on Saturdays in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1743139' first='Noah' last='Barnes']-Quarterback-Prairie Grove-5'8” 140-Pounds-2029</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1743139' first='Noah' last='Barnes'] is a dynamic prospect who has played all over the field for the freshman Tigers this season. He has impressed in numerous quarterback camps over the past few months. Over the weekend, he had the opportunity to take a recruiting visit to the University of Oklahoma. Barnes enjoyed the visit and had the opportunity to learn about the campus as well as the program being built with the Sooners. He is a player to watch out for over the next few years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->