Signing Day is one of the most significant events for a football player who's dream is to play at the collegiate level. Last year on the first Wednesday of February, Camden Fairview High School featured four players signing their letters of intent to their college of choice to play football. This was after two previous players had their early signing day to enroll in the university early.
This year, Camden Fairview, Harmony Grove and Bearden didn't host a signing day as several players are either waiting for an offer to play at the collegiate level or waiting for better offers. Just because a player doesn't have a signing day, doesn't mean their potential collegiate career is off to a bad start. There are several seniors that have a high likelihood of playing football at the next level.
Among the biggest players in Ouachita County that is certain to play football at the collegiate level is Camden Fairview Cardinals wide receiver Jarvis Reed. In the 2021 and 2022 season, Reed has caught 67 receptions for 1,293 yards and 14 touchdowns. This past season, Reed caught 33 receptions for 635 yards and eight touchdowns. One of his best games as a Cardinal was in his junior year in the 44-25 home win over Magnolia in 2021 where he caught seven receptions for 155 yards and two touchdowns. In his junior and senior seasons, Reed has accounted for three games where he caught more than one touchdowns and three games where he accumulated 100 or more receiving yards.
Reed is a matchup nightmare for opposing defensive backs to cover. Reed has a combination of speed, great hands, ability to make quick cuts in his routes, and can fight through contact to make contested catches. He is a player that is likely to have a successful career at the collegiate level, but the question is where. On Dec. 6, 2022, Reed announced on his social media that he received an offer to play for the SAU Muleriders. He has been receiving interests from coaches at the Division I level, specifically TCU and Memphis. Reed could be taking his time and reviewing his options as he also plays for the Cardinals' basketball team.
Another football player that looks to make a serious career at the collegiate level is Cardinals defensive end/linebacker Kameron Easttam. Easttam is a two-year starter for the Cardinals' defensive line, who has pulled his weight and made a significant impact despite the lack of ideal size. He is a player that provides solid pass rush, surprising strength, a great motor when attacking the offensive tackle, and great speed to chase after the ball carrier.
In three seasons, Easttam has accumulated 138 total tackles, 92 solo tackles, 30.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and 41 quarterback hurries. This past season, Easttam has accounted for 86 total tackles, 44 solo tackles, 17 tackles for loss, six sacks, and 36 quarterbacks as he was named Camden News' defensive player of the year. He is a player that could be a late bloomer in the recruiting trail, especially after impressing coaches in camps like SAU.
Other players that could be having discussions of having collegiate careers are Cardinals cornerback/safety Jabauri Spencer, Cardinals defensive end D.J. King, Cardinals running back/slot receiver A.J. Alsobrook, Harmony Grove Hornets guard David Mack, Hornets middle linebacker Lane Davis, and Bearden Bears middle linebacker/fullback Thomas Brunston. All of these players have played at a consistently high-level throughout the 2022 season. They also possess certain attributes that make them stand out to coaches that could play a factor in getting recruited.
There is plenty of time for players to receive opportunities to play at the collegiate level. National Signing Day is a showcase event for the players, their families, teammates, coaches, and the school, but it is not a deadline for players to receive offers.
Photo By: Michael Hanich
Camden Fairview cornerback Jabari Spencer and defensive end Kameron Easttam combine for a tackle on the ballcarrier for Hot Springs. Spencer had stripped the ball for a potential, but the play was ruled not a fumble by the referees.