News and Notes 5-25 to 6-1

We have entered the first week of the summer break, however, offseason preparation for the upcoming football season has entered high gear. Over the next few weeks, we will have plenty of 7-on-7 competitions to cover as well as team and performance camps. The work has started in preparation for the 2022 football season. Today we will go over everything making news in the Natural State over the past week. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="106759" first="Isiah" last="Kendall"]-Wide Receiver-Newport-2023</strong> The talented Newport wide receiver made headlines a few days ago when he committed to Jackson State University. Kendall has shown that he can take it the distance from anywhere on the field. Kendall is a red zone target that will fit well in the Jackson State offense. Kendall can stretch the field easily and he is the type of wide receiver to haul in a reception when it is needed. The 2022 football season has the potential to be a big one for Kendall. <strong>Slade Norwood-Quarterback-Farmington-2027</strong> Over the weekend, the Elite 11 competition took place in Nashville, TN. Norwood put on a strong show at the Elite 11 over the weekend. The Farmington Cardinals have developed a talented pipeline over the next few years. Norwood has a strong arm and is a quarterback that can throw an extremely accurate ball. He is just going to continue to get better. Norwood is a quarterback with a high ceiling and one that will light up Friday nights over the next few years. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="351164" first="Eli" last="Lackey"]-Linebacker-Manila-2023</strong> The Manila linebacker has had a busy couple of weeks. He has visited Lyon College as well as Hendrix College. Lackey is a versatile linebacker that can play the linebacker spot with tremendous effectiveness or move into the secondary and play the safety spot. Lackey has the speed to disrupt both the run and the passing games of the opposing offenses. He will be a prospect to watch out for this season. Lackey has the potential to play on Saturdays in the future. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="342107" first="Brody" last="Benton"]-Offensive Linemen-Beebe-2025</strong> Beebe offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id="342107" first="Brody" last="Benton"] is a prospect that is starting to open some eyes with his level of play. Benton is a prospect that does an excellent job of finishing his blocks. He has good speed that is evident when he is pulling on screen passes. From a pass blocking perspective, Benton uses his 6’3” frame well to keep opposing defensive linemen off-balance. Benton has the potential to make some noise over the next few months. He will be attending the Ouachita Baptist offensive linemen camp this coming weekend. Watch out for him this weekend. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="193069" first="Donnie" last="Cheers"]-Wide Receiver-Marion-2023</strong> The Marion wide receiver continues to open some eyes with his knack for hauling in tough receptions. [player_tooltip player_id="193069" first="Donnie" last="Cheers"] has started the offseason in fine fashion earning several scholarship offers in the process. Cheers picked up a scholarship offer from Arkansas-Pine Bluff this week. Cheers is a prospect that I expect to continue his terrific production in 2022. The best is going to be yet to come for this big play wide receiver. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="221264" first="KiAndrea" last="Barker"]-Running Back-Beebe-2025</strong> One running back that I expect to continue to impress scouts and coaches is Beebe running back [player_tooltip player_id="221264" first="KiAndrea" last="Barker"]. Barker shows an extra gear when he gets into the open field. He displays good patience in allowing a rushing lane to develop before he explodes through the hole. Barker picked up a scholarship offer from the SMU Mustangs earlier in the week. Barker is a prospect that continues to raise the bar and I would expect a strong season from the Beebe running back.