Freshmen prospects to Watch in 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offseason football camps are approaching rapidly. Meanwhile, the freshman class in the Natural State has the potential to be a talented group. Here are several freshman prospects to watch out for this offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1691675' first='Eli' last='Roper']-Tight End/Linebacker-Har-Ber-6'3” 215-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Har-Ber Wildcats are a talented team and the freshman class is one to watch out for over the next few years. [player_tooltip player_id='1691675' first='Eli' last='Roper'] is a prospect who has the versatility needed to play multiple positions on the floor. He has the ability to make the tough receptions to extend drives. Roper is a difficult player for opposing defenders to bring down in the open field. Roper has the potential to have a big offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1996333' first='Huck' last='Waddell']-Edge/Defensive Line-Lonoke-6'3” 195-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lonoke edge rusher is a player to watch over the next few years. He explodes out of the stance and works his way into the backfield with ease. Waddell sheds blocks quickly and will pressure the opposing quarterback or help stop the rushing attack. Waddell is a prospect to watch as the offseason heats up. I expect an impressive 2026 season from Waddell.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1718835' first='Keenan' last='Young']-Offensive Line/Defensive Line-Conway-6'4” 250-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1718835' first='Keenan' last='Young'] is a versatile prospect for the Wampus Cats. Young is a powerhouse on the offensive line who uses hand placement to get control of pass rushers. He opens up rushing lanes and looks for a player to block at the second level. Young is an impressive mix of power and speed and he is a player to watch on the offensive line. Young is another prospect with the potential to have a big offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1416996' first='Jay' last='Lawhon']-Wide Receiver/Defensive Back-Little Rock Christian-5'11” 150-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1416996' first='Jay' last='Lawhon'] is another talented wide receiver out of Little Rock Christian. Lawhon is a prospect who uses his crisp routes to create separation from opposing defensive backs. He has the speed to stretch the field vertically. Meanwhile, he does a great job of working the underneath routes effectively. Lawhon is a player to watch out for over the next few years for Little Rock Christian.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1841677' first='Gauge' last='Hanna']-Offensive Line-Sylvan Hills-6'0” 240-Pounds</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the past few years, the state of Arkansas has had no problems producing talented offensive linemen. [player_tooltip player_id='1841677' first='Gauge' last='Hanna'] is a prospect who gets out of the stance quickly. Hanna uses his hands well to overwhelm at the point of attack. He does a great job in opening rushing lanes as well as keeping opposing pass rushers at bay. Hanna is a prospect on the offensive line to watch out for this offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->