Arkansas crop one of its best

The 2006 Arkansas preseason Top 20

While several other states around the South may be considered somewhat down this year, the state of Arkansas has its best overall crop in some time, especially at the top of the pile. There are seven major prospects in the state and another Baker's dozen that are solid D-I prospects, making up the Rivals.com pre-season top 20.

Leading the charge is Springdale quarterback Mitch Mustain, who is not only the state's top prospect, but also the nation's No. 13 prospect overall and top quarterback. Many consider Mustain to be the biggest prospect to come out of the state in quite sometime. Mustain's teammate wide receiver Damian Williams comes in as the states No. 2 prospect and barely missed the Rivals 100 cut.

Wynne has produced a number of big time players over the years, including current Memphis star running back DeAngelo Williams. Defensive tackle L.T. Walker could be the next successful Wynne star in college as the 6-foot-3, 308-pound Walker has already picked up offers from the likes of Arkansas, Ole Miss, Oregon, Tennessee and others.

In somewhat of a surprise North Little Rock inside linebacker/defensive end Van Stumon comes in as the state's No. 4 prospect. Stumon is a physical freak who some believe to be the best pure football player in the state. Another Springdale star rounds out the top five as offensive tackle Bartley Webb is the third Bulldogs star among the state's top five prospects.

Pocahontas offensive tackle Jim Hart sent his stock on the rise when he attended the NIKE camp in Oxford. In many years Hart could be considered a top three prospect in-state, but with the depth at the top he locks up the No. 6 spot. Springdale gets their fourth star in the top ten as tight end Ben Cleveland checks in as the state's No. 7 player.

Hazen linebacker Nathan Campbell has seen his stock continue to increase this spring, picking up several impressive offers and nabbing the No. 8 spot. Batesville offensive lineman Drew Hilton raised his stock at the Arkansas camp in June and is ranked as the No. 9 player in Arkansas. Blytheville center prospect Kit Coleman put up great numbers at the Oxford NIKE camp and has sent his stock rising as he rounds out the top ten.