Prep Redzone Showcase Defensive Standouts Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone Arkansas put on one of the best football camps that the state has seen in quite some time. In this article, we are going to highlight prospects on the defensive side of the ball. The Natural State is loaded with talented defensive prospects. Here are several to watch out for this offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1305652' first='Cody' last='Johnson']-Defensive Line-Greenwood-6'5” 240-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Greenwood defensive lineman had a terrific season for the Bulldogs and he brought the same work ethic into the offseason. Johnson has a good variety of pass rushing moves which he uses well to defeat blocks and get into the backfield. He had an impressive camp at Little Rock Mills over the weekend and he is a player to watch this offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1223230' first='Cason' last='Roten']-Linebacker-Elkins-5'10” 190-Pounds-2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the next few classes, the talent level at the linebacker position is eye opening. [player_tooltip player_id='1223230' first='Cason' last='Roten'] has put in the work to start the offseason and the results are showing in drills and at camps. Roten put his speed and agility on display in Little Rock over the weekend. He reads the play well and puts himself in a position to make a play on the ball. Roten has a motor that does not stop on the gridiron. The Elkins linebacker is a prospect to watch this offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1265738' first='Jaiden' last='Andrews']-Defensive Back-Marked Tree-6'2” 163-Pounds-2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1265738' first='Jaiden' last='Andrews'] is one of the most versatile prospects in the state who lurks in the defensive secondary. Andrews earned one of the camp defensive MVP's honors over the weekend. He does an excellent job of reading the play and reacting to where the opposing quarterback throws the ball. Andrews has the ability to make plays on the ball. He is a physical defensive back who has the potential to do big things over the next two years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='702192' first='Christopher' last='Byrd']-Linebacker-Marion-6'0” 210-Pounds-2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='702192' first='Christopher' last='Byrd'] earned MVP honors over the weekend. He has a great mix of speed and power. Byrd is extremely athletic and does a fantastic job of reading the play. He sheds blocks quickly and gets to the ball carrier. Byrd has the ability to drop back into coverage and defend against the pass. Byrd is the type of linebacker who will blow up this offseason from a recruiting perspective. Already earning a scholarship offer from Arkansas Baptist after a strong performance over the weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1284687' first='Elijah' last='Branch']-Defensive Line-Conway-6'2” 217-Pounds-2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The future is bright with prospects like Branch playing on the defensive front for the Wampus Cats. Branch is an athletic prospect who has the versatility to play multiple positions on the defensive side of the ball. He uses his quickness to shed blocks and get into the opposing offensive backfield. Branch was impressive in drills over the weekend at the Prep Redzone Showcase in Little Rock. Branch is a player to watch out for over the next few years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->