Top 12 Arkansas high school football players from the Class of 2021

Three of the most famous Arkansas greats to play in the NFL were Willie Davis (Packers), Cliff Harris (Cowboys) and Dan Hampton (Bears).

In more recent years, the best of Arkansas in the NFL were running backs Darren McFadden and DeAngelo Williams along with tight end Charles Clay.

From the current lot of high school players, 247Sports has identified 12 from the Class of 2021, 10 of whom have committed to play in college.



From the dozen, three are tight ends and two each are offensive linemen, defensive lineman and linebacker. Six from the list are staying in-state to go to college, three each to the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State.

See the complete Top 20 as compiled by 247Sports composite below. 1. Dreyden Norwood, Northside (Fort Smith)
6-foot | 175 pounds | CB | Undecided
A football and track star, Norwood has 14 college offers, but appears to be leaning toward Arkansas with Georgia, Missouri, Notre Dame and Oklahoma close contenders. He's ranked the 19th best cornerback in the country. "High school quarterback projected to the secondary in college," 247Sports Midlands Region recruiting analyst Gabe Brooks wrote. "Natural playmaker with a feel for the game."

2. Terry Wells, Wynne
6-4 | 306 | OT | Arkansas
Not only the top tackle in the state, Wells is also one of the state's top shot putters. He picked the Razorbacks over Arkansas State, Kansas, Miami, North Texas and Southern Miss. "Flashes consistently quick get-off and shows phone booth strength as a drive-blocker," wrote Brooks.

3. Tyas Martin, Jacksonville
6-3 | 318 | DT | Virginia Tech
Ranked the No. 36 defensive tackle in the country, Martin picked Virginia Tech over Kansas, North Texas, Southern Miss and Tennessee.

4. Marco Avant, Jonesboro
6-3 | 212 | LB | Arkansas
Has 150 career tackles in two seasons with 18 for loss, including four sacks. He's also forced seven fumbles. A transfer from Forrest City, Avant is "aware and physical," Brooks wrote. "Not afraid to mix it up in the box."

5. Cole Joyce, Bentonville
6-0 | 212 | LB | UCF
A football and track standout, the speedy linebacker ran an 11.10 100 meters and qualified for the state finals as a sophomore, finishing eighth. He's also run a 22.66 200 meters and has thrown the shot put 44 feet. He has 12 offers, but picked UCF over Arkansas State, Houston, Bowling Green Louisville and SMU among others.



6. Landon Rogers, Parkview (Little Rock)
6-4 | 215 | QB | Arkansas
Completed 99-of-182 last season for 1,661 yards and 19 touchdowns against just two interceptions. He had other offers from Houston, Kansas, Louisiana, Louisiana-Monroe, North Texas and UT Martin.

7. Deldrick Withers, Robinson (Little Rock)
6-4 | 245 | DE | Kansas
Had 76 tackles, 32 of which were behind the line of scrimmage, including eight sacks. He led Robinson to a state 4A state championship in 2019. He also had offers from Louisiana Tech and Louisiana-Monroe.

8. Erin Outley, Parkview
6-4 | 246 | TE | Undecided
Had a breakout junior season with 48 catches for 721 yards and eight touchdowns. Blessed with superb speed and hands, Outley has secured 22 college offers, but appears to be leaning toward either Florida State or Arkansas. Defending national champion LSU, Michigan, Oregon, Penn State and Tennessee have also made offers.

9. Corey Platt Jr., Little Rock Christian Academy (Little Rock)
6-1 | 195 | ATH | Arkansas State
Led Little Rock Christian Academy to state 5A state title in 2019, helping to land him offers from Kansas, Louisiana Tech and North Texas, besides Arkansas State, where he committed on June 3.

10. Mason Brotherton, Mena
6-5 | 242 | TE | Kansas
A big-framed tight end with excellent hands and good speed had six other offers, including Coastal Carolina, Liberty, Louisiana-Monroe, Memphis Mercer and Texas State.

11. Errington McRae, Har-Ber (Springdale)
6-3 | 230 | TE | Arkansas State
Had a fantastic junior season with 41 catches for 801 yards and six touchdowns. He picked the Red Wolves over Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Bowling Green, Kent State, Louisiana-Monroe, Memphis and UT Martin.



12. Makilan Thomas, Central (Little Rock)
6-3 | 295 | OG | Arkansas State
Not only a dominating guard, but also one of the state's top shot putters.