A theoretical ‘53-man’ NFL roster of the top prep players around the state of Arkansas
As the NFL season kicks off, we thought it would be interesting to place Arkansas high school football players on an NFL 53-man roster.
This is just for fun to see how Arkansas’ best prep talent might look on a mythical ‘NFL team’ after all cuts had been made. In addition to the 53 “active” players, we will also include a 10-man practice squad, as well.
Some players have been chosen for their versatility and ability to play multiple positions. Also, at quarterback, I have chosen to keep five, due to the versatile styles and talents. It also helps when I have the entire state to chose from. Much like, if an NFL team had the option to keep whatever All-Pro QBs they wanted, they would likely not limit it to two or three.
And keep in mind, with limited slots, adding a player would mean dropping another.
QUARTERBACKS (5)
Drake Lindsey | Fayetteville | 6-5, 220 | QB | SR
The Lindsey name may be well-known in Northwest Arkansas, but few outside the area were familiar with Drake prior to last season. He patiently waited his turn behind Bladen Fike in 2021, and it did not take long for the Minnesota commit to burst onto the scene as he was one of the state’s top passers. With a huge presence in the pocket, he led Class 7A with 3,620 passing yards and 37 touchdowns, while throwing just three interceptions.
LRCA QB Waker White (Tommy Land)
Walker White | Little Rock Christian | 6-3, 220 | SR
White committed to Auburn in February and LRCA head coach Eric Cohu has called him a “phenomenal athlete”. He threw for threw for 2,109 yards and 28 touchdowns while rushing for 890 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, in leading the Warriors to a 9-3 season. He had six touchdowns in a 49-14 victory over Shiloh Christian.
Achilles Ringo I Mills University Studies I 6-3, 220 I SR
The three-year starter may be one of the more underrated signal callers in the state. Ringo completed 67 percent of his passes last season for 2,860 yads and 30 TDs with 8 picks. With him under center, the Comets are a legitimate state-title contender in Class 5A.
Kane Archer | Greenwood | 6-0, 200 | SO
Consider Archer like a recently drafted rookie – maybe not ready to play this season but the upside to be the franchise’s QB of the future is definitely there. In a backup role as a freshman, Archer, who already has numerous Power 5 scholarship offers, passed for 709 yards and 9 TDs with 3 interceptions and ran for 129 yards and 4 scores.
Quentin Murphy | Joe T. Robinson | 6-1, 205 | JR
Murphy is one of the top targets in the 2025 class from The Natural State as the nation’s No. 32 overall athlete per 247Sports. His offers include Alabama, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and many other Power 5 programs. As a sophomore, Murphy passed for 1,388 yards and 19 touchdowns, along with 569 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground, which both ranked second on the team.
RUNNING BACKS (6)
Jalen Dupree | Malvern | 6-0, 225 | RB | SR
When the Leopards won their state championships, they rode their running backs all the way to Little Rock. In 1993, future Arkansas Razorback Madre Hill rushed for 2,863 yards and 32 touchdowns including a 243-yard, 2-touchdown effort in a 21-9 victory over Lake Hamilton for the Class 3A state championship. A year ago, Jalen Dupree rushed for 2,2828 yards and 41 touchdowns and caught 15 passes for 343 yards and 5 touchdowns, in leading the Leopards all the way. In the state championship game, in which the Leopards won 64-39 over Harding Academy, he totaled 291 yards on 33 carries and scored 4 touchdowns. In July, he committed to Colorado State.
Benton running back Braylen Russell. (Photo by Tommy Land)
Braylen Russell | Benton | 6-2, 235 | RB | SR
A year ago, the 4-Star prospect transferred from Hot Springs Lakeside to Benton, and despite playing with an injured foot, the junior rushed for 1,643 yards and 26 touchdowns, while catching 22 passes for 224 yards and another touchdown. Russell helped the Panthers go 9-3 and advance to the state semifinals. He is rated as the No. 4 recruit in the state and the No. 20 running back, nationally, according to 247Sports. On July 14, Russell firmly re-committed to the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Jayden Smith | White Hall | 5-9, 180 | RB | SR
An all-conference selection last season, Smith 210 carries for 1,047 yards and 13 touchdowns, including 206 yards and 4 TDs against Maumelle. He put on 15 pounds this offseason and squats 490 pounds, while power-cleaning 280.
Dennis Gaines | EPC | 5-11 I 180 I SR
Gaines rushed for more than 3,000 yards last season, which was good for fourth in the nation. The four-year starter also racked up 44 TDs last fall.
Shiloh Christian's Bo Williams (Photo by Tommy Land)
Bo Williams | Shiloh Christian | 5-10, 190 | RB | SR
A versatile weapon on both sides of the ball, Williams busted loose for 1,482 rushing yards on 195 carries last season with 30 touchdowns. He also hauled in 38 passes for 431 yards and 4 more scores. Flipping to the other side of the ball, he racked up 57 tackles for Shiloh.
Da’Shawn Chairs | Elkins | 5-8, 175 | RB | SR
Chairs rushed for 1,4748 yards and 29 touchdowns and had 60 touchdowns in his career entering the 2023 seaosn. He rushed for 329 yards and 6 touchdowns in 63-27 victory over Ashdown in the playoffs. He has an FBS offer from Air Force and is also drawing the interest of Central Arkansas, Henderson State, Ouachita Baptist, Northwest Missouri State, Central Missouri and carries a 3.9 grade-point average.
RECEIVERS (6)
Courtney Crutchfield | Pine Bluff | 6-3, 175 | WR | SR
An all-state performer in football, basketball and track and field, as a junior, Crutchfield is the top-rated player in the state and an Arkansas Razorback commit. The 4-Star recruit is the No. 11-rated receiver nationally and the No. 61 overall prospect. He caught 25 passes last season for 706 yards and 11 touchdowns, before leading the Zebras to the state basketball championship and winning three individual titles in track.
Bryant wide receiver Mytorian Singleton (Jimmy Jones)
Mytorian Singleton | Bryant | 6-0, 190 | WR | SR
Singleton is back for one more round of prep football as one of the state's top playmakers, and hopes to lead the Hornets to an unprecedented sixth consecutive 7A state championship. He led the Hornets in receiving by a wide margin, hauling in 41 passes for 646 yards and 8 touchdowns. Singleton has offers from Arkansas State and North Alabama, while multiple other Division I schools have shown interest.
Joseph McVay | Earle | 6-0, 180 | WR | SR
Vanderbilt got a steal when they earned a pledge from McVay, the nation's 74th-ranked overall athlete for the Class of 2024, according to 247Sports. McVay also had offers from Arkansas State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Colorado State, Penn State, Purdue, South Carolina and Texas A&M. He hauled in 69 passes last season for 1,573 yards – averaging 23 yards per reception -- with 22 touchdowns, along with multiple interceptions as a linebacker and defensive back.
Bentonville's CJ Brown (Photo by Tommy Land)
C.J. Brown | Bentonville | 6-0, 185 | WR | SR
The 3-Star Arkansas commit helped Bentonville to its first state finals appearance since 2017, a year ago, while catching 75 passes for 1,284 yards and 16 TDs. Known for stretching the field, Brown is the state's No. 6 rated recruit and the No. 78 receiver, nationally, according to 247Sports. He also had offers from Kansas State, Louisville, Oklahoma State, Purdue, and Tennessee.
Antonio Jordan | Warren | 6-4, 215 | WR | JR
Warren has produced as many outstanding wideouts through the years, as almost any small town in America. Jordan is one of the next in line, having already earned Power 5 offers from Arkansas, Florida State, South Carolina and Tennessee. He led the Lumberjacks with 43 catches a year ago, for 1,043 yards and 14 touchdowns. He length and speed make his a deadly threat down field.
Cam Williams | Gosnell | 6-1, 180 | WR | SR
Gosnell head coach Lewis Earnest calls Williams the best wide receiver in the state. Williams caught 54 passes for 1,041 yards and 8 touchdowns. On defense, he had 54 tackles and 8 interceptions. Earnest said he has drawn the interest of Notre Dame, Oregon, Miami, Florida State and Texas.
TIGHT ENDS (2)
Gavin Reardon | Cabot | 6-3, 225 | TE | SR
Also, a two-time state wrestling champion, with a 4.1 GPA, Reardon has been receiving a lot of college attention, for wrestling and football. He already has a Division I football offer from Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Reardon helped Cabot reach the Class 7A semifinals for the second time in three seasons while hauling in 19 passes for 180 yards with 3 TDs. He caught 4 passes for 41 yards and a touchdown against Conway.
Kealen Juniel | Malvern | 6-4, 230 | TE | SR
Malvern has plenty of talent returning after winning their first state title since 1993, but it is fair to say that Juniel is the unsung hero of the offensive side. He loves to handle the dirty work, but makes the most of it when he gets the ball, hauling in 19 passes for 294 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2022. Juniel chose Arkansas State over Memphis in July and has additional offers from, Navy, UNLV, and UT-Martin among others.
OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (9)
Kobe Branham | Fort Smith Southside | 6-6, 320 | OL | SR
The Mavericks’ three-year starter committed to Arkansas on June 26. The 3-Star Branham is rated the No. 10 prospect in the state and the No. 64 interior offensive lineman in the nation, according to 247Sports. He also held offers from Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M. Branham missed the first three games of last season with a fractured ankle, yet still returned to earn All-State honors. A 4.0 student, he bench-presses 385 pounds, squats 500, and possess a nasty streak in the trenches.
Vinny Winters | Malvern | 6-4, 305 | OL | SR
Every powerful offense has a great offensive line and one lineman who can block the opposing team’s best pass rusher and be the man you want to run behind when it comes to getting the sure yardage. Winters leads an offensive line that scored 606 points and averaged 493 yards (185 passing and 308 yards rushing) per game. Winters has drawn interest from Arkansas, Tulsa, Missouri, Arkansas State and Central Arkansas. Head coach J.D. Plumlee said he expects Winters to make a commitment later this year. He has started every game the past two years, plus five games as a freshman.
Chauncey Johnson | Lonoke | 6-5, 303 | OL | SR
Johnson has committed to Oklahoma State. He moved from guard to tackle and is the player the Jackrabbits love to run behind. He displayed why he is considered one of the top 2024 prospects in the state after his showing at the University of Arkansas' summer camp on June 17. Johnson wowed onlookers with his athleticism in drills and testing. He recorded 5.34 seconds in the 40-yard dash and had an eye-opening 4.66-second mark in the shuttle. The 3-Star prospect is the No. 11 player in the state and the No. 91 offensive tackle, nationally, according to 247Sports.
Lane Jeffcoat | Bentonville West | 6-9, 295 | OL | SR
The Rice University commit is one of the most imposing linemen in the state with his enormous size and athleticism. Also, a starter on the Wolverines’ basketball team, Jeffcoat will be a starter on the O-line for the fourth consecutive season. The All-Conference and All-State performer has already compiled a decorated prep career.
Trason Hunt | Bentonville | 6-5, 265 | OL | SR
The Tigers lost two Power 5 offensive line recruits to graduation last season – including new Arkansas Razorbacks freshman Joey Su’a -- and Hunt could be the next one in line to make the jump. He has offers from Colorado and Missouri State, along with plenty of other interest. He is a vocal leader, who can also slide over to center.
Brandon Bryant | Little Rock Southwest | 6-2, 285 | OL | SR
Earning all-state honors for the Gryphons at left tackle last season, but this season slid to guard with his quick footwork. Southwest head coach Daryl Patton refers to Bryant as the team’s “problem-solver” up front.
Mason Medlock | Fort Smith Northside | 6-2, 290 | OL | SR
The 3-year starter has the strength, with a 320-pound bench press. He also excels in the classroom, where he possesses a 4.2 GPA and scored a 31 on the ACT. He has earned the attention of multiple Ivy League programs. The versatile big man and leader of the Grizzlies O-line is poised to have a tremendous season.
Qauayaser “Q” Whitehead | Conway | 6-3, 295 | OL | SR
New Conway head coach Buck James has built a reputation for having dominant offensive lines, and Whitehead is where it starts up front for the Wampus Cats. The dominant left guard bench presses 325 pounds, has agile feet, and has received a plethora of attention from Division II programs.
Parker Brown | Greene County Tech | 6-5, 305 | OL | SR
Brown is an all-stater and two-year starter with impressive strength at his left guard sport for the Eagles. Brown squats 505 pounds and bench presses 310.
Carius Curne I Marion I 6-4 I 310 I OL I SR
The studious Curne (3.1 GPA) has seen his stock rise after intial offers from Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Memphis. Over the summer, he added offers from Arkansas, Ole Miss and Mississipi State and is ranked the No. 25 offensive line prospect in the nation by 247Sports.
DEFENSIVE LINE (7)
Alex Martin | Little Rock Parkview | 6-2, 300 | DL | SR
The versatile big man returns as the starter at offensive guard, as well as a three-year starter at defensive tackle, where he earned all-state honors. He tallied over 50 tackles for the Patriots, including 4 solo stops in the state championship game. He is committed to Arkansas State.
Charleston “Charlie” Collins | Little Rock Mills | 6-4, 250 | DL | SR
The four-Star Collins is highest-rated defensive prospect in the state, the No. 13-rated defensive lineman in the country, and the No. 77 overall national prospect. The Arkansas Razorback commit dominated for the Comets last season with 124 tackles, 46 of those for a loss, and 12 sacks
Caleb Sain | Little Rock Mills | 6-2, 220 | DL | SR
Returning for his third season at defensive end, the powerful Sain bench presses 300 pounds, which he uses for leverage off the line. He filled up the state sheet a season ago with 107 tackles, including 39 for a loss, and 5 sacks. He collected 9 tackles in the 2022 season-opener against Forrest City, and followed that up a week later with a pick-six against Rivercrest.
Peyton McNeeley | Benton | 6-2, 220 | DL | SR
The Harding commit returns for his third season as a starter up front for the Panthers after helping them go on a deep playoff run in 2022. McNeely totaled 63 tackles, including 3 for a loss, with 5 sacks, 6 QB hurries and blocked a field goal.
Marquaze Parker | West Memphis | 6-3, 260 | DL | SR
One of the more underrated players in the entire region, Parker has Division I offers from Arkansas State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Central Arkansas, Memphis, Southeast Missouri State, Tennessee-Martin and UNLV, but ultimately decided to commit to Cincinnati. Along with scoring a few touchdowns on offense, Parker had 17 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks as a junior.
Kendall Williams | Hot Springs | 6-3, 205 | DL | SR
The all-state defensive standout also shines in the classroom with a 3.8 GPA. He returns for his third year at end, after racking up 134 tackles, including 12 for a loss, and 9 sacks, a year ago. He also forced 6 fumbles, recovering 4, and blocked 3 kicks. Williams will also see time at tight end.
Isaac Wallis | Southside Batesville | 6-3, 200 | DL | SR
Wallis finished 2022 tied as the team leader in total tackles with 116, including 26 of those for loss, along with six sacks, 13 QB hurries, three forced fumbles, blocked a punt and had an interception. He has received a plethora of college interest and is the leader of what should be one of the better defensive lines in Class 5A.
LINEBACKERS (7)
Wyatt Simmons | Harding Academy | 6-3, 220 | LB | SR
The Arkansas Razorback commit is the son of Harding University head coach Paul Simmons, and had 84 tackles, including 15 for losses and 6 sacks last year, after making the transition from defensive end before the season began and his recruitment exploded over the summer.
Brian Huff | Valley View | 6-4, 225 | LB | SR
The all-state performer tallied 92 tackles a year ago, with 7 of those for a loss, and will likely move from inside to outside linebacker this season. The Missouri commit is rated as the No. 5 player in the state and the No. 32 linebacker in the country.
Derrick Murdock | Little Rock Southwest | LB | 6-2, 220 | SR
Soaring his way up the prospect boards, Murdock earned an invite to the recent 2023 Top Gun Showcase in Naples, Fla, leaving with MVP honors, as the most athletic linebacker at the event, per their evaluations. Playing for Little Rock Mills last season, he racked up 111 tackles, 52 of those for a loss, with 16 sacks and 5 forced fumbles.
Aquavious Dunbar | Lake Village | LB | 6-2, 220 | SR
Being from a town tucked away in the deep southeast corner of the state, Dunbar still may not be known to some. However, the three-star prospect, who is projected as a running back in college, has been on the radar of Division I programs, currently owning offers from Arkansas State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Louisiana-Monroe, Southeast Missouri State, and Power 5 Vanderbilt. In 2022, Dunbar rushed for 879 yards and averaged 7.7 yards per carry totaling 17 touchdowns.
Cash Archer I Greenwood I LB I 6-1, 220 I JR
Most of heard of his little brother the QB prodigy Kane, but the elder Archer is a dominant player in his own right. As a sophomore, he totaled six sacks and 67 tackles and early in this season he has already surpassed his sack total. Archer (4.7 speed) bench presses 325 pounds and owns offers from Louisville, Toledo, New Mexico State and UNLV. Archer is versatile and can line up at end or linebacker.
Dax Goff | Booneville | 6-1, 220 | LB | SR
The Harding commit led Booneville to its first state finals appearance since 2018 while thriving on both sides of the ball. Goff ran for 2,323 yards and 31 touchdowns while setting multiple school records. He was one of the state leaders in tackles with 116, including 17 for loss. Oh, and Goff also was named all-state in baseball this past spring.
Talan Smith | Prescott | 6-1, 200 | LB | SR
The top returning tackler in Class 3A, Smith is one of six top returnees for the Curley Wolves' defense. He earned 3A-5 all-conference honors as a junior after collecting 138 total tackles (13 for loss), three sacks, two interceptions, along with forcing two fumbles and recovering two.
DEFENSIVE BACKS (8)
Bryson Adamoh | Bryant | 6-0, 180 | DB | SR
Adamoh decommitted from UNLV late in early August and the 3-star prospect will have multiple options for his future with additional offers including Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Central Arkansas, Jackson State, Mississippi Valley State and Navy. With great technique and a high motor, Adamoh snagged four interceptions in 2022 while helping Bryant win its fifth straight 7A state title.
Marcus Wimberly | Bauxite | 6-1, 180 | DB | JR
The 2022 all-state performer and Arkansas commit picked off three passes last season, returning them all for touchdowns and compiled over 1,500 yards of offense. Wimberly is also starting at QB for the Miners.
Omarion Robinson | Parkview | 6-1, 180 | DB | JR
An all-state performer last season as a junior, Robinson piled up 63 tackles and 4 interceptions, including a 7-tackle performance in the state championship game. Rated the top player in the state’s 2025 class, he is also the class’s No. 14 safety, nationally. He has offers from a long list of Division I schools, including Arkansas.
Austyn Dendy | Pine Bluff | 6-1, 200 | DB | SR
The hard-hitting safety is the No. 7 recruit in the state, as an athlete, due to his versatility on the field. Dendy is also a standout receiver for the Zebras, where he caught 38 passes last season for 515 yards and 6 touchdowns. He also has the ability to play running back, where he averaged 5 yards per carry a year ago.
Bryant defensive back Drake Fowler (Photo by Tommy Land)
Drake Fowler | Bryant | 6-3, 170 | SR
The Air Force commit has been a heavy contributor in the Hornets' secondary for the past two seasons as both a returner on special teams, and of course in the secondary. Fowler logged 65 tackles last season and owns additional DI offers from North Alabama and Tennessee-Martin.
Patton Whicker | Pulaski Academy | 6-3, 180 | DB | SR
Whicker was a big playmaker in the secondary and will return for his third season at strong safety for the Bruins, after racking up 85 tackles and 6 interceptions a year ago. His interception in the state title game helped flip the momentum. The three-year starter has been offered by Air Force.
Chris Barnard | Benton | 5-10, 200 | DB | SR
Barnard is a 3-year starter, and is described by head coach Brad Harris as the most athletic player on the team, who runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds. He had 119 tackles and with 2 fumble recoveries and an interception last season.
Jakob Coleman | Joe T. Robinson | 5-10, 175 | DB | JR
Arkansas High School football got better with the recent move in of Coleman from Orange Lutheran (Calif.) to Robinson. The three-star prospect is ranked as the 92nd-best athlete in 2025 class overall per 247Sports and owns offers from Arkansas State, Colorado State, Georgia Southern, Memphis and Tennessee State.
KICKER (1)
Fernando Ventura | Melbourne | 5-10, 155 | JR
Ventura has already put together an impressive career and is just getting started. He is ranked as the No. 21 kicker in the 2025 class per Kohl’s Kicking Camps. Ventura was named the 3A-2 Specialty Player of the Year following a perfect 100% on field goal tries (11-of-11) and he also connected on 63 extra point attempts.
PUNTER (1)
Sam Dubwig | Cabot | 6-4, 205 | P | SR
Dubwig is ranked as the No. 5 punter in the Class of 2024 per Kohl’s Kicking and owns offers from Central Arkansas, Harding, Ole Miss, UConn and UNLV. He averaged 39 yards per punt with 17 downed inside the 20-yard line.
Long Snapper (1)
Caleb Blankenship | Ashdown | 6-3, 210 | LS | SR
Blankenship does a little bit of everything for the Panthers. From the offensive line and a tight end role offensively, to playing defensive line on the other side, Blankenship is ranked as the nation's No. 25 long snapper for 2024, per Kohl’s Kicking Camps.
TAXI SQUAD
Carmilo Allen | Fordyce | 6-3, 230 | TE/DL | SR
The recent Arkansas State commit has excelled at tight end, linebacker and of course when he puts his hand in the dirt on the defensive front. He collected 98 tackles (11 for loss) and two interceptions as a junior.
Keenan Jackson | Osceola | 6-3, 180 | WR | SR
One of the state's more underrated players, Jackson owns Division I offers from Alabama-Birmingham, Arkansas State, Buffalo, Liberty, and UNLV. He led the Seminoles in receiving as a junior, catching 42 passes for 725 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Kayden Glenn | Hoxie | 5-11, 175 | QB/DB | SR
Glenn has received plenty of attention from college programs, and it should continue assuming he finishes his prep career with a strong senior season, now playing quarterback. He led the Mustangs in all receiving categories as a junior, catching 31 passes for 463 yards and nine touchdowns.
Slade “Dizzy” Dean | Elkins | 6-2, 170 | SR
Dean threw for 2,446 yards and 32 touchdowns and leads an offense that scored 547 points in 12 games. His best game a 20-for-22 effort for 337 yards and 4 touchdowns in a 77-20 victory over Lincoln. Head coach Zach Watson praises Dean for a work ethic that includes endless film study and serves as a coach on the field.
Tre Hopkins | Nashville | 5-8, 185 | RB | SR
Hopkins does everything for the Scrappers. He rushed for 1,356 yards and 19 touchdowns. He caught 19 passes for 133 yards. In his career, he has 2,638 yards rushing and 329 career receptions and has scored 32 touchdowns. He rushed for 273 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 63-56 playoff victory over Elkins.
Ronny Anoyke | Little Rock Christian | 5-8, 200 | RB | SR
The senior rushed for 1,363 yards and 12 touchdowns and topped 100 yards 8 times a year ago with a season high of 212 against Mountain Home. LRCA head coach Eric Cohu said he has a combination of strength and speed which makes him tough to bring down.
Isaac Gregory | Fort Smith Southside | 5-10, 170 | RB | SR
The Mavericks should turn the corner this year with multiple talented players returning. Skill player wise, it starts with Gregory who led the Mavericks with 1,921 all-purpose yards and 22 touchdowns, the majority of that production on the ground, with 1,507 yards and 21 scores.
Lach McKinney | Fayetteville | 5-10, 180 | WR | SR
McKinney finished second on the Purple Dogs' roster in all major receiving categories, only to Arkansas preferred walk-on Kaylon Morris. He will again be another fixture in a potent offense after hauling in 57 catches for 793 yards and 10 scores as a junior.
Mike Townsley | Batesville | LB | 5-11, 185 | SR
Back for his third season at middle linebacker, the all-state selection dominated with 164 tackles last season, including 18 stops against Batesville Southside, 17 versus Harrison and 16 in the Pioneers’ playoff win at Prairie Grove. Townsley will also showcase his physical running style on offense.
R.J. “Tank” Davis | Parkview | 5-10, 330 | OL| SR
The Arkansas-Pine Bluff commit is a bull at guard and was a big reason the Patriots boasted such a strong offense in 2022 to win the 5A state championship. Davis graded out at 81% with 88 knockdowns as a junior.
--Steve Andrews
