In-Depth Breakdown (by position) of the 2017 Arkansas In-State Class

[scruf]

METHODOLOGY: I sat down and watched all available video and took into consideration measurables and past production on the field and I've racked and stacked the state's 2017 class with my best analysis. The ranking next to each player is what I think they will be (composite) ranked after their senior seasons. I've placed the players in order of college potential as well within their positional group.

I tried to only post the players here who I think have P5 potential. If I missed someone who you think should be included in the position groupings then please let me know and I will add them if they fit the bill as D1 caliber players (according to the criteria I mentioned above). I will be adding a watch list to this thread for players who I assess as 2* and project players very shortly.

If you don't agree with my rankings, well, that's what I expect. I'm hoping this thread will open a lively discussion of the players in the 2017 in-state class, a class that I think may well end up producing 6-10 players who get Razorback offers.

As a side note, I'd like to keep this thread free of discussions that pit one part of the state against another or that pit Arkansas against other states in terms of talent production. I'd like this post and all subsequent posts to focus on a discussion about in-state talent. I'm here to learn as much as I'm here to share.

I hope you enjoy reading this and GHG!  :razorback: :razorback: :razorback: :razorback: :razorback:


OFFENSE

OL

OVERVIEW: Thin at tackle, better at guard. There are 4, maybe 5, guys here who likely end up at P5 programs.

OT

3* Kirby Adcock, 6'5", 280, Nashville. Runs, bends and finishes like a college OT. Could probably play either spot in college. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3933755/highlights/320419390)

OG

3* Damon Nelson, 6'3", 304, Springdale Har-Ber. Good size, good feet. Looks natural at RT but probably an OG in college. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5292884/highlights/308788396)

3* Ty Clary, 6'4", 265, Fayetteville. Workhorse tackle who probably moves inside in college. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2777933/highlights/306808470)

3* Spencer Stone, 6'3", 305, Fayetteville. Strong OG that really knows how to redirect interior linemen. Average at pulling. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2777955/highlights/301360392)

C

3* Sanderson Hines, 6'3", 310, Robinson HS. Big, tough center in the Zach Rogers mold. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1849901/highlights/282765376)

3* Jennings Stanley, 6'3", 300, Jonesboro. Big-bodied center who can really move defenders. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3105548/highlights/297870442)


TE

OVERVIEW: This position is the thinnest in the state next to offensive tackle and other than Carter Sipe (Harding) there isn't any one player that really stands out as being able to play right away.

3* Carter Sipe, 6'4", 220, Harding. Classic tight end in the pro-style mold. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2731266/highlights/323696416)


WR

OVERVIEW: This is a deep class that lacks a clear-cut blue chip player. There are plenty of guys here who will shine in college but few are ready to contribute right away. Several of them will likely end up on the other side of the ball at the next level.

3* Jonathan Adams, 6'3", 180, Jonesboro. Big, physical WR who is ready for FBS football now. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4739816/highlights/301847391)

3* Josh Johnson, 6'0", 170, Central Arkansas Christian. Athletic slot who runs great routes and has good hands. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3199605/highlights/315523382)

3* Jaquan Dorsey, 6'2", 202, Watson Chapel. A really good-looking prospect at WR, I think he could grow into an OLB over the next year.
(http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4082044/highlights/309603386)

3* Trey Smith, 5'8", 165, Springdale Har-Ber. Small WR with big time skills and speed. Runs really clean routes and has great hands. Also dangerous in the return game. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1765930/highlights/328867386)

3* Caleb Stokes, 6'2", 205, Russellville. A physical possession receiver. Very similar to Jaquan Dorsey in terms of potential to grow into an OLB. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3942090/highlights/313503485)


RB

OVERVIEW: This is the deepest position in the class in terms of bodies but there's not one player who really separates himself from the rest of the pack. Still, there are some guys here who will get plenty of quality carries in P5 programs.

3* Pierre Strong, 6'1", 180, LR McClellan. Sturdy, well-rounded runner who is ready for the next level. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3327246/highlights/315615379)

3* Dezmon Jackson, 6'0", 200, Parkers Chapel. Shifty, patient and physical tailback with the speed to get to the edge. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2759897/highlights/311324375)

3* Myles Fells, 5'11", 185, Robinson. Cutback runner who can make people miss in the open field. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2660602/highlights/217234383)

3* Jaren Watkins, 5'7", 150, Pulaski Academy. A true weapon. Tiny, fleet-footed, angle-destroying runner who runs to daylight with the best of them. Runs naturally low and is impossible to get underneath for 1st and 2nd level defenders. Needs 15 more pounds to get 15 touches/game at the next level. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/540929/highlights/297824492)

3* Kylan Robinson, 6'1", 165, Batesville. Lean speedster with room to grow. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6000585/highlights/286117376)

3* Dennis Daniels, 5'10", 185, Warren.  Complete tailback that has outstanding burst through the hole. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3446557/highlights/311034417)


FB/H-BACK

OVERVIEW: The numbers are predictably low due to the influence of the spread offense but the quality is actually pretty good.

3* Kamryn Dickerson, 6'2", 220, Springdale. True H-Back who could also rep at TE and FB. Really tough kid who could also play special teams. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4293993/highlights/287645375)

3* Hunter Davenport, 6'0", 250, Lamar. Wrecking ball. A do-everything bowling ball who could fill in FB, H-Back or as an ILB in goal line. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3647578/highlights/224900376)


QB

OVERVIEW: Powell and Griffin are a cut above the rest of the field here. It's a typical in-state class at the position.

4* Taylor Powell, 6'2", 200, Fayetteville. Prototypical pocket passer who is not afraid to get hit. His ball placement and arm strength are above average. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1374780/highlights/301917389)

3* Zach Griffin, 6'2", 192, Batesville. Pro-style QB with wheels. Can put it wherever you want it. Needs to work on efficiency but arm talent is there. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3142239/highlights/289098384)

3* Luke Hales, 6'2", 223, Greenwood. Physical QB that can make all the throws and is very good in the redzone run game. He needs to do a better job of ball placement on deep routes but arm strength is not an issue. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1483919/highlights/292496395)

3* Luke Gordon, 6'1", 205, Vilonia. Above average mobility and arm strength. Has a very fluid release and can drive it off his back foot. Will make someone a good QB at the next level. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2119799/highlights/322503388)

3* Joseph Patterson, 6'8", 205, Cave City. Giant QB who can push the ball around the field with ease. Has surprisingly good feet for a player of his stature. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3127319/highlights/289391378)


DEFENSE


DL

OVERVIEW: There's Byers and Porter and then there's everyone else. I think those two eventually prove to be 4* players but a few of the other guys listed below can be solid P5 options.

DT

3* Akial Byers, 6'4", 275, Fayetteville. Block-shedding DT that could play for a lot of teams right now. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5314316/highlights/319330378)

3* Dalon Turner, 6'3", 285, Arkadelphia. Nimble space-eater with a solid base and room to grow. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3129020/highlights/316932379)

3* Dameyun McDonald, 6'1", 260, West Helena Central. Fireplug type with great get-off. Played OT on offense and NG on defense. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3971248/highlights/317032394)

3* Michael Jenkins,  6'1", 250, Crossett. Thick thumper who isn't easily moved. Will end up somewhere along the DL. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4402951/highlights/322101375)

DE

3* David Porter, 6'3", 235, Robinson. Wide-body DE with a non-stop motor. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3373751/highlights/292649416)

3* Lake Tucker, 6'4", 260, El Dorado. Combo end (speed/heavy) with the size to play right away. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3767655/highlights/319463481)

3* DE Brandon Thompson, 6'6", 220, England. Explosive yet lightweight end who can really hit. I have no idea how he made some of the plays he made at his weight. He beat a double team by two players who, combined, outweighed him by at least 100 pounds. Not sure how much weight he will add as he also plays basketball in the off-season. Intriguing player to say the least. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2028047/highlights/196157382)


LB

OVERVIEW: Better overall depth at LB in the state this year than last year.

3* Keshawn Whaley, 6'1", 215, Pine Bluff. Physical LB who likes to deliver the knockout punch.
(http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3436976/highlights/236677378)

3* Marvin Moody, 6'3", 200, Bryant. Long OLB that closes quickly and is exceptional playing in space. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2117173/highlights/326328421)

3* Cualan Williams, 6'3" 205, Lafayette County. Standout at WR, FS and on ST who seems like a lock for OLB at the next level. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6459560/highlights/290919375)

3* Tanner Cross, 6'2", 220, Northside. Hard-hitting LB who could play inside or out. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1431292/highlights/311497377)

3* Britton Caudill, 6'2", 200, Pea Ridge. Athletic, disruptive safety that will likely move to OLB and possibly MLB in college. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4484831/highlights/308640419)



DB

OVERVIEW: It's a surprisingly deep in-state class for the defensive backfield, in my estimation. There are at least 4-5 guys who figure to earn P5 offers.

CB

3* Jarrod Barnes, 5'11", 167, Cabot. Excellent athlete who will likely play CB in college. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3205856/highlights/297501377)

3* Monta Thomas, 5'10", 197, Hermitage. Two-way player who will benefit greatly by staying on one side of the ball. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3365082/highlights/216066378)

3* Marcus Bornslater, 6'1", 183, Crossett. Long-armed corner who can play with his feet. Excellent in space. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4405271/highlights/311047405)

3* Derrick Flynn, 6'1", 180, Prescott. Quick-twitch CB who has a knack for finishing. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3059328/highlights/312504940)

S

4* Montaric Brown, 6'1", 180, Ashdown. Ball-hawking safety with great instincts and feel for the game. Has excellent size and speed. Looks FBS ready now. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/6449794/highlights/292668439)

3* Darius Hopkins, 6'0", 185, Nashville. Excellent open-field runner who runs to contact Likely winds up in the secondary at the next level. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3960962/highlights/313319419)

3* Michael Williams, 6'3", 180, Watson Chapel. Prototypical safety who arrives to the ball in a bad mood. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2972888/highlights/309479404)

3* Jaylon McDaniel, 5'11, 175, Wynne. Disruptive safety who makes plays all over the field. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2090903/highlights/315645375)

3* S Jayden Minchew, 6'0", 170, Springdale. Hard-hitting, sure-tackling, quick-twitch safety. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/5298856/highlights/323123387)

3* S Josh West, 6'1", 175, Jonesboro. Athletic safety who plays sound, downhill, assignment football. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3933000/highlights/316069396)

3* Jamari Gamble, 5'11", 185, Dewitt. OLB with track speed that projects to safety at the next level. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3239975/highlights/319335386)


ATH

OVERVIEW: At least one of these guys ends up in the SEC.

4* Koilan Jackson, 6'3", 207, Robinson. The biggest challenge Koilan will have at the next level is deciding what position he wants to play. He has room to grow and will probably enter college at around 225-230 pounds. I think he's either going to play ILB, OLB on defense or TE/H-Back on offense. Should be fun to watch. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2672349/highlights/212153377)

3* Steven Benson, 6'4", 210, Jessieville. Competitive. Has played QB, TE, DE and OLB and played them well. I think he's either a TE or DE college. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3269663/highlights/294981311)

3* Terrance Rock, 5'11", 175, Fayetteville. Do-everything offensive weapon who has excellent speed and can play in space. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3047019/highlights/331427425)

3* Jordan Washington, 6'3", 190, Sylvan Hills. Athletic signal-caller who I think best projects to safety in college. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2898447/highlights/289949375)

3* Devontae Pounds, 6'1", 160, Wynne. Versatile athlete that could easily contribute in all three phases but vey likely plays corner. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2090900/highlights/314965436)

[WaltonCollege]

Nice write up. I'd offer both the tackles, Martin could play guard/center. I think Hines gets a later offer and calls the Hogs have heard good things about him. Also, we still need backers. I'd offer the two 3 stars, love me a Pine-Bluff backer in Keshawn Whaley, and Cualan Williams plays all over the field could prolly play inside, outside, or some rover.

[JIHawg]

Appreciate the very thorough research.  Good info.

[scruf]

Nice write up. I'd offer both the tackles, Martin could play guard/center. I think Hines gets a later offer and calls the Hogs have heard good things about him. Also, we still need backers. I'd offer the two 3 stars, love me a Pine-Bluff backer in Keshawn Whaley, and Cualan Williams plays all over the field could prolly play inside, outside, or some rover.

Thanks! I think you're spot on about those LBs.

[scruf]

Appreciate the very thorough research.  Good info.

Thanks! It took a minute (all day).

[ricepig]

I think 4-5 maximum get offers, unless we struggle out of state.

[bulldog04]

I think 4-5 maximum get offers, unless we struggle out of state.

Byers, Powell, Davenport, Thomas, Brown, and Barnes in my IMO.

[scruf]

Byers, Powell, Davenport, Thomas, Brown, and Barnes in my IMO.

Yeah, I think DT Byers, QB Powell and S Brown will be offered after CB Barnes, who was offered last week.

Strictly hypothetically, if I had to sign 25 and I could only pick players from the state it would look something like this:

OFFENSE:

OT Adcock
OT Martin
OG Nelson
OG Stone
C   Hines

QB Powell

RB Strong
RB Jackson

FB Dickerson

TE Sipe

WR Adams
WR Dorsey

Total: 12

DEFENSE:

DE Porter
DT Byers
DT McDonald
DT Jenkins

ILB Whaley
OLB C. Williams
OLB Moody

CB Barnes
CB Thomas

S Brown
S M. Williams

ATH Jackson

Total: 12

KR/PR:

ATH Jaren Watkins

Total: 1

-------------------

TOTAL: 25

[SemperFi]

I really like Montaric Brown and Taylor Powell. I see why the Razorbacks have offered Brown and think that he is the type of Safety that the Hogs need. I wonder if the Hogs are evaluating or have evaluated Taylor Powell. The kid has a rocket for an arm and his placement of the ball is spot on.

As time permits I'll look at the other hudl highlights that you've posted. Very impressive job scruf.

[buldozer]

Great job! Nice change from all of the other voices I have been hearing say this state will only produce one or two players for the university in 2017.....

[scruf]

I really like Montaric Brown and Taylor Powell. I see why the Razorbacks have offered Brown and think that he is the type of Safety that the Hogs need. I wonder if the Hogs are evaluating or have evaluated Taylor Powell. The kid has a rocket for an arm and his placement of the ball is spot on.

As time permits I'll look at the other hudl highlights that you've posted. Very impressive job scruf.

Thanks SF. RD did a story on Friday about the Hogs evaluating Powell and teammate Akial Byers.

[scruf]

Great job! Nice change from all of the other voices I have been hearing say this state will only produce one or two players for the university in 2017.....

Thanks buldozer. I don't think the 2017 signing class will be half-filled with in-state kids but I expect more than one or two as you mentioned. GHG!

[yraciv]

Thanks for the breakdown, although I have a hard time believing a 2 star manhandled McTelvin Agim.  Curious how you have such a vast knowledge of these players? Were the comments based on their Hudl videos?

[yraciv]

I hate to be that guy, but I only see 3 or 4 getting an offer, and I don't think Powell is one of them. Obviously Byers will get offered, but other than that I like Jonathan Adams and not a lot else. I expect a couple to camp well and gain an offer, but it really is a weak in state class.  Not sure where you came up with the hypothetical stars on these guys either.

[scruf]

Thanks for the breakdown, although I have a hard time believing a 2 star manhandled McTelvin Agim.  Curious how you have such a vast knowledge of these players? Were the comments based on their Hudl videos?

If you watch Martin's video you'll see that he pretty much has his way with Agim. I only have him as a 2* at OT because of his weight. If he was sitting at 290+ I'd have him at 4.

[scruf]

I hate to be that guy, but I only see 3 or 4 getting an offer, and I don't think Powell is one of them. Obviously Byers will get offered, but other than that I like Jonathan Adams and not a lot else. I expect a couple to camp well and gain an offer, but it really is a weak in state class.  Not sure where you came up with the hypothetical stars on these guys either.

I don't think you're being that guy. I think you raise a lot of valid points about the star rating system. I'm not sure whether the in-state class is weak or not. It might be terrible. It might be average. I doubt it's an above average class but I'm going to wait until after the summer camps and the mid-way point in the 2017 HS season to decide.

[scruf]

ATH Darius Hopkins (Nashville) and ATH Monta Thomas (Hermitage) were just added as 3* prospects on Rivals. As a point of reference, the only ATH in the state rated 3* or higher last year was TJ Hammonds.

[scruf]

I added LB Tanner Cross (Northside), S Jaylon McDaniel (Wynne), CB Marcus Bornslater (Crossett), and DE Lake Tucker (El Dorado) to the position groupings.

[scruf]

RB Myles Fells (Robinson) was added to Rivals as a 3*.

[nwahogfan1]

I coached Tanner Cross in 6th grade.  Great kid and family. Hard worker and good grades.  He has the frame and all the physical tools to be a good one.   

[scruf]

I coached Tanner Cross in 6th grade.  Great kid and family. Hard worker and good grades.  He has the frame and all the physical tools to be a good one.   

Thanks for the info. Seems like he has a lot of potential.

[dhizzle]

Some of these linebackers have good size could easy add more weight in the weight room. I want some mean SOB's in the middle of the defense.

[scruf]

Some of these linebackers have good size could easy add more weight in the weight room. I want some mean SOB's in the middle of the defense.

It's true. Height and frame are hard (impossible) to coach.

[TheRazorback500]

Good work, scruf. Glad to see a couple of players considered from my hometown of Crossett. Bornslater and Jenkins look promising, and they're from good families.

:razorback:

[staffhog]

Quite an impressive bit of info.  Not used to this breakdown so early so thanks for your effort.

These instate kids deserve this love so that's another + for you.  Keep it up with good insight.

[Warren.young1]

Guys he may be to small to play at the next level like jaren watkins but if he makes up for the size he can play he's a;so from warren 5"6 155 Byron Person Jr He's an Nickle But with his speed like watkins I think he would be a good punt returner or kick returner I watched him practice running routes at warren's field house and he has speed.
Although though the season he has been over looked. He played his first game against smackover and got hurt but when he came out after missing 2 or 3 games he went nuts 2nd leading his team in tackles for lost behind deanglo Mccory who just broke the state record but I'm just saying.   http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4434771/highlights/311581384#

[scruf]

Good work, scruf. Glad to see a couple of players considered from my hometown of Crossett. Bornslater and Jenkins look promising, and they're from good families.

:razorback:

Good inside info. on Bornslater and Jenkins - thanks!

[scruf]

Quite an impressive bit of info.  Not used to this breakdown so early so thanks for your effort.

These instate kids deserve this love so that's another + for you.  Keep it up with good insight.

You're welcome! I'll do my best to keep this updated.

[scruf]

Guys he may be to small to play at the next level like jaren watkins but if he makes up for the size he can play he's a;so from warren 5"6 155 Byron Person Jr He's an Nickle But with his speed like watkins I think he would be a good punt returner or kick returner I watched him practice running routes at warren's field house and he has speed.
Although though the season he has been over looked. He played his first game against smackover and got hurt but when he came out after missing 2 or 3 games he went nuts 2nd leading his team in tackles for lost behind deanglo Mccory who just broke the state record but I'm just saying.   http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4434771/highlights/311581384#

Does he have room to grow? He might make a good nickel if his speed checks out.

[scruf]

Added Warren QB Hayden Lassiter to the list.

[scruf]

Added OLB Marvin Moody from Bryant.

[#1 STUNNA]

Not a 2017 kid but we need to seriously get on warrens Treylon Burks like yesterday. He will be the best receiver to come out of warren. Already has the size as a freshman. Better looking prospect as a freshman than Brett smith and greg childs were at the same age.

[Warren.young1]

Does he have room to grow? He might make a good nickel if his speed checks out.

yes if he hits the weights and also eat right you just give him time he'll grow  because I mean he has the speed

[scruf]

         yes if he hits the weights and also eat right you just give him time he'll grow  because I mean he has the speed

Thanks for the info!

[jgphillips3]

I think it's a good list.  Barnes is on board.  You would figure Byers and Brown would get offers on defense.  After that Strong and Adams on offense.  Beyond those 5, Powell is the only one who really seems to be legit P5 D1 but we may already be on better out of State guys.  Hopefully, someone else out there will blow up into the next Dre Greenlaw.

[Warren.young1]

Thanks for the info!

anytime man

[Wahls]

Is Carlos Vanhook related to RJ Vanhook? RJ was a man amongst boys in high school, played some at Tech. Ran for a thousand once or twice there.

[BoynamedWooPigSooie]

2* Demekko Clark, 5'8", 205, Blytheville. Compact runner who sets up his blocks well. Is fast but decelerates drastically through his breaks and cuts which often results in him getting caught in the second level. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3868569/highlights/253431380)


This dude is my sleeper in the class.

Great work on this thread!

[scruf]

UPDATE:

Added TE Carter Sipe, DT Dalon Turner, OG Ty Clary, C Jennings Stanley, S Jayden Minchew, and S Josh West to the list.

Removed all 2* and below players and will be adding them to a separate watch list.

[scruf]

Is Carlos Vanhook related to RJ Vanhook? RJ was a man amongst boys in high school, played some at Tech. Ran for a thousand once or twice there.

I'm not sure.

[scruf]

2* Demekko Clark, 5'8", 205, Blytheville. Compact runner who sets up his blocks well. Is fast but decelerates drastically through his breaks and cuts which often results in him getting caught in the second level. (http://www.hudl.com/athlete/3868569/highlights/253431380)


This dude is my sleeper in the class.

Great work on this thread!

Thanks! I'm adding D. Clark to a separate watch list which I will use to feed this thread as the off-season and season progress.

[jackflash]

Scruf thanks for taking the time to make this list. Could you see 6 or7 getting offers. First time I can recall two centers form Arkansas being listed

[scruf]

Scruf thanks for taking the time to make this list. Could you see 6 or7 getting offers. First time I can recall two centers form Arkansas being listed

I think somewhere between 6-10 will get offered. A lot of it will depend on need, as usual.

[scruf]

UPDATE:

Added LB Britton Caudill (Pea Ridge) and S Jamari Gamble (Dewitt) to the list.

[scruf]

UPDATE:

Added QB Zach Griffin (Batesville) to the list.

[tophawg19]

Camden Fairviews Jonathon McCoy is receiving interest from the hogs . not sure what position though . TE OR DE ?

[scruf]

UPDATE:

Added QB Joseph Patterson (Cave City).

[scruf]

UPDATE:

Added DE Brandon Thompson (England) to the list.

[scruf]

UPDATE:

Added ATH Steven Benson (Jessieville) to the list.

[scruf]

UPDATE:

Added ATH Terrance Rock (Fayetteville) to the list.