Bryant Team Preview

Quad Sanders’ first season as a high school head football coach was a learning experience. 

 “[The biggest things are] just the game management and where to be looking and what adjustments need to be made,” said Sanders, who had served as the Hornets’ defensive coordinator for five state title runs.

Bryant’s 54-game winning streak snapped, and they couldn’t make it back to a sixth straight title game, but they finished the 7A-Central Conference slate undefeated and advanced to the semifinals with a 10-2 record. This season, they hope to return to the title game. 

OFFENSE

Quarterback 

Senior Jordan Walker (6-1, 210) is a three-year starter. Sanders said he has continually worked on his decision making, and Sanders saw improvements this summer on the 7-on-7 circuit. Walker, who passed for more than 3,000 yards and 38 touchdowns last fall, has an offer from UNLV and interest from other FBS programs, including Arkansas State, and this summer received offers from FCS UAPB and Division II programs Ouachita Baptist and Henderson State.

Sophomore Kyler Shelby (5-11, 175) guided the junior high squad to an 8-2 record in 2023 and has impressed Sanders with a quick release and “deceptive athletic ability.” Fellow sophomore Rowyn Witherspoon (5-10, 180) served as Shelby’s backup on the ninth-grade squad.

Running back 

Senior Daniel Anderson (6-0, 200) committed to Notre Dame University last summer, but missed a good portion of the season with a high ankle sprain. Sanders said the staff contemplated activating Anderson for the quarterfinal round of the playoffs but elected to save him in case the Hornets made the state title game. Sanders said Anderson is healthy, and the ankle hasn’t bothered him in the offseason. 

Teammate Myron Thrash (5-10, 200) took advantage of increased carries last fall when Anderson was shelved, running for close to 900 yards. Thrash, who touts a 3.5 GPA and 4.53 speed, made the most of those yards and has interest from mid-major Division I programs and offers from OBU and Henderson State. Junior Zac Kertis-Jones (5-9, 186) also benefitted from Anderson’s absence and looks to get even more touches this fall as he lines up in the backfield and at receiver, as he’s proven to be a precise route runner. 

Sophomores Brenden Murdock (5-9, 175) and Jakobe Boone (5-8, 170) were a potent one-two punch in ninth grade. Sanders said Boone could also line up at receiver. Classmate Mason Woods (5-9, 175) has impressed after not playing football and starring on the track in junior high. 

WIDE RECEIVER 

Junior Kamauri Austin (6-4, 180) is primed for a breakout season after being injured as a ninth grader, Sanders said. Austin, who boasts 4.5 speed, has an offer from Marshall University. Senior Carter Simms (5-10, 175) has used a strong work ethic to push himself into the rotation. Junior Van Thomas (5-11, 175) has speed akin to Austin’s. Classmate Keenan Latin (6-0, 185) is another athletic receiver with good hands. Junior Caleb Tucker (6-0, 185) excites Sanders with his versatility and will play defensive back. Sanders also thinks Tucker will fill the role of playmaking slot receiver Mytorian Singleton, who recently inked with the University of Central Arkansas. 

 Senior Karter Ratliff (6-6, 235) is an imposing presence at outside receiver and has attracted interest from Division II programs after racking up more than 800 yards receiving last fall. 

 Sophomores A.J. Stallman (5-9, 170), Logan Lee (6-2, 180), Landon Trusty (6-3, 186), and Kamron Pickett (5-8, 170) were all playmakers in junior high and may push for reps this season. 

Offensive line

Seniors Matt Birk (6-2, 275) and Cairo Terry (6-2, 275) anchor the line at tackle. Junior Nichael Rucker (5-10, 265) saw some varsity snaps last season and can play guard or center. Seniors Ethan Ledbetter (6-2, 230)—the younger brother of former Hornets star QB Austin Ledbetter—and Garrett Patterson (6-2, 215), and juniors Chase Trimble (6-0, 270), Aiden Aldridge (6-1, 270), and Aiden Allen (6-4, 235) are all fighting for the remaining spots. Juniors Connor Smith (5-11, 280) and Kennedy Perry (5-11, 280), along with sophomores Lyric Berry (6-1, 260) and Jordan Morales (5-10, 250), add depth.

DEFENSE
Specialists

Sanders welcomes to the staff former Hornets and UCA star kicker Hayden Ray to work with three kickers the head coach is high on. Senior Jackson Cook (5-10, 170) earned all-conference honors as the placekicker last fall. Junior Grayson King (6-1, 170), a JV soccer player in the spring, was the backup last season. Sophomore J.D. Olson (5-9, 180), who played JV soccer as a 9th grader, handled the junior high kicking chores. Sanders said all three players could share situational kicking roles as well as vie for the punting job. 

Defensive line

A pair of experienced, dynamic ends anchor a deep front. Senior Eli Hill (6-1, 245) was an issue for the opposition last year while stopping the run and rushing the passer. Classmate Ryan Reynolds (6-1, 200) battled injury last year but is healthy and ran a 4.49 40-yard dash time at the Arkansas and OBU camps, respectively. Senior Landon Sehika (6-1, 215) and junior Matthew Nelson (6-5, 205) will vie for snaps at end. 

Senior Omar Sanchez (6-0, 260) rotated last year and seeks a starting spot inside. Junior Malachi McDonald (5-10, 275) is a physical presence inside. Senior Byron Allen (5-11, 230) as well as juniors Jayton Jones (5-11, 225), Ryan Horn (6-1, 240), and Anthoni Matthews (5-10, 260) all compete for snaps. Sophomores Brandon Hughes (6-1, 220) and Sam Nelson (6-4, 210) add depth at end and Justin Jones (5-11, 275) helps at tackle. 

Linebacker 

Senior Nick Miller (6-1, 200) leads an experienced corps. Miller, who stood out last season after subbing due to injury, earned a scholarship offer from Henderson State this summer. Senior J.T. Allen (5-9, 185) and junior Gavin Momon (5-11, 195) also started for the Hornets. Sanders said junior Bryant Davis (6-2, 180) received some substitute starts last fall, too. Senior Nick Baker (6-0, 160) seeks more playing time after rotating last fall, and classmate Darrell Moore (5-11, 190) started at Little Rock Southwest last fall and hopes to see snaps with the Hornets. Sophomores Jake Elliott (5-10, 180), Kaveion Smith (6-1, 190) and Treyvion Terry (5-11, 180) add depth. 

Secondary

Seniors Jayden Welch (5-11, 185) and Matthew Glover (5-8, 170) are the top cornerback candidates after seeing significant snaps last season as injuries affected the depth chart. Junior Matthew Ferguson (6-0, 180) moves to the cornerback from QB and Mason Muldrew (5-8, 175) transitions from receiver. 

Seniors Jayden Lewis (5-11, 180), Derrick Jones (5-9, 175), and Marvion Williams (5-8, 175) add depth along with sophomores Hijari Lynch (5-8, 170), Mickaelyon Peoples (5-8, 160), and Kylen Jenkins (5-10, 180). 

 Safety is a strength, with senior Tristen Knox (5-11, 175) returning after starting every game last fall. Junior TaDayVuan Wilson (5-11, 175) rotated last year but will see even more snaps this fall after receiving scholarship offers from UCA, UAPB, and Southeast Missouri State this summer. Tucker, the receiver, also helps at safety as well as junior Simeon Mitchell (5-10, 185), who returns after seeing snaps in 2023. Junior Ryan Young (6-4, 180) is also in the mix. Talented sophomores Aaron Austin (5-11, 175), Terriun Jones (6-0, 175), and Nazir Baylark (6-1, 170) add depth and could push for snaps. ν Nate Olson