Arkansas HSFB: 5A State Playoffs – Prospects to Watch

<p>The 2025 Arkansas High School Football playoffs begin this upcoming week. The path to the state championship is more challenging than ever. Here are five prospects to watch during the playoffs in 5A.</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1189935' first='Reece' last='Simpson'] has the chance to lead his team to the championship. He went 103-176 (59%), 1,703 yards, 25 touchdowns, and seven interceptions during the regular season. Simpson is a solid decision-maker post-snap, attacking the whole field. He's a prospect to add to the recruiting board. </p>   <p>Note - 3.9 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/Reece_Simpson18/status/1987238426056315322?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='986293' first='Demond' last='Hicks'], a December grad, is someone to watch this week. He's a vertical threat with a quick release due to his solid acceleration. Hicks displays solid hand-eye coordination and body control, adjusting mid-route with the ability to be a threat after the catch. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note - 3.0 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/D1Demond/status/1985079822708838747?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1664479' first='Dante' last='Cox'] is another lethal wide receiver who can stretch the field and widen defenses. He can effectively attack the middle of the field. He blows right past defenders on deep routes. Cox displays good hand-eye coordination and body control as he can adjust mid-route or layout for the football. He also demonstrates strong hands at the catch point against contest. Keep an eye on him.</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/DanteD_Cox19/status/1963033870603059302?s=20 </div></figure>   <p class="text-gray-700"></p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1948628' first='Jayveon' last='Lyons'] could be the one to break out this postseason, as there's always one under-the-radar prospect to do so. He's a dual-threat quarterback. Lyons displays solid footwork and mechanics in the pocket, with the ball placement to attack all field levels.</p>   <p class="text-gray-700">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/Jaylyons529585/status/1977027074750873680?s=20 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1668625' first='Isaiah' last='Davis'] brings a strong work ethic, both on and off the field. He's a high motor prospect who can cover sideline-to-sideline, making him an impact prospect during round one. Davis displays solid read-and-react skills, attacking downhill against the run with solid angles. He can play over the top and maintain tight coverage in the hip pocket of receivers. </p>   <p class="text-gray-700">Note – 3.4 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/ZayZDa2/status/1985535697323765955?s=20 </div></figure>

The 2025 Arkansas High School Football playoffs begin this upcoming week. The path to the state championship is more challenging than ever. Here are five prospects to watch during the playoffs in 5A.