Around the Mid-South Region

This week, we are looking at some players on the rise, others on the decline and some who are preparing for the NFL draft out of the Mid-South region.

Bull Market

Broken Arrow, Okla., offensive lineman Rowdy FrederickClick Flower Mound (Texas) Marcus standout Kaden SmithClick Kaden SmithHere to view this Link. has been regarded as one of the top tight ends in the country, and he has been on college radars since his freshman year. Still his performance at the Rivals Camp Series Presented by Under Armour in Dallas showed his talents were still undervalued at his current ranking. In a talented group of receivers, Smith took home the receiver MVP honors and showed himself to be an all-around athlete at the tight end position. The performance at the Dallas RCS was not his only strong showing, either. He has had a very strong run on the camp circuit and is the kind of tight end just as capable of delivering a block as he is hauling in a touchdown reception. He recently chose StanfordClick Kaden SmithHere to view this Link. over AlabamaClick Kaden SmithHere to view this Link. and many many others and should see a nice rise up the rankings.Here to view this Link.'s junior season was sidetracked by injury, but he showed up ready to perform at the Rivals Camp Series in Dallas. He took home offensive line MVP honors after he finished block after block in one-on-ones. He checked in at 6-foot-4 and 335 pounds, and he carried it well. His feet were light and he kept a powerful base. He also had a bit of a nasty streak. He enjoys getting a little messy. Many schools are taking the wait-and-see attitude with spring approaching, but he has already added Texas TechClick Flower Mound (Texas) Marcus standout Kaden SmithClick Kaden SmithHere to view this Link. has been regarded as one of the top tight ends in the country, and he has been on college radars since his freshman year. Still his performance at the Rivals Camp Series Presented by Under Armour in Dallas showed his talents were still undervalued at his current ranking. In a talented group of receivers, Smith took home the receiver MVP honors and showed himself to be an all-around athlete at the tight end position. The performance at the Dallas RCS was not his only strong showing, either. He has had a very strong run on the camp circuit and is the kind of tight end just as capable of delivering a block as he is hauling in a touchdown reception. He recently chose StanfordClick Kaden SmithHere to view this Link. over AlabamaClick Kaden SmithHere to view this Link. and many many others and should see a nice rise up the rankings.Here to view this Link. to his offer list. OklahomaClick Flower Mound (Texas) Marcus standout Kaden SmithClick Kaden SmithHere to view this Link. has been regarded as one of the top tight ends in the country, and he has been on college radars since his freshman year. Still his performance at the Rivals Camp Series Presented by Under Armour in Dallas showed his talents were still undervalued at his current ranking. In a talented group of receivers, Smith took home the receiver MVP honors and showed himself to be an all-around athlete at the tight end position. The performance at the Dallas RCS was not his only strong showing, either. He has had a very strong run on the camp circuit and is the kind of tight end just as capable of delivering a block as he is hauling in a touchdown reception. He recently chose StanfordClick Kaden SmithHere to view this Link. over AlabamaClick Kaden SmithHere to view this Link. and many many others and should see a nice rise up the rankings.Here to view this Link., Oklahoma StateClick Flower Mound (Texas) Marcus standout Kaden SmithClick Kaden SmithHere to view this Link. has been regarded as one of the top tight ends in the country, and he has been on college radars since his freshman year. Still his performance at the Rivals Camp Series Presented by Under Armour in Dallas showed his talents were still undervalued at his current ranking. In a talented group of receivers, Smith took home the receiver MVP honors and showed himself to be an all-around athlete at the tight end position. The performance at the Dallas RCS was not his only strong showing, either. He has had a very strong run on the camp circuit and is the kind of tight end just as capable of delivering a block as he is hauling in a touchdown reception. He recently chose StanfordClick Kaden SmithHere to view this Link. over AlabamaClick Kaden SmithHere to view this Link. and many many others and should see a nice rise up the rankings.Here to view this Link. and Arkansas are also keeping an eye on him.

Bear Market

There is plenty to like about Pine Bluff (Ark.) defensive end John TateClick John TateHere to view this Link., but he has also struggled a bit in few recent performances. At the Rivals Camp Series in Dallas, there were other defensive ends who showed a more explosive first step, stronger counter moves, and were a bit better with their hands. There is no doubt Tate brings a lot to the table, but he will take a bit of a dip in the rankings next time around.

Youth Of The Nation

Dare RosenthalClick Class of 2017 wide receiver Cedarian LambClick Cedarian LambHere to view this Link. has yet to see the offers pick up, but he is certainly one to watch. He was a top performer at two different Rivals camps. At the Rivals Speed & Skill Challenge Presented by Under Armour in Houston, Lamb pushed four-star Tyrie ClevelandClick Cedarian LambHere to view this Link. for wide receiver MVP honors and in Dallas he was named one of the top underclassmen performers. Lamb's footwork and smooth stride quickly earned attention, and then he showed off strong, reliable hands. As college coaches make their way to the Houston area, Lamb is one 2017 recruit who has a chance to leave a lasting impression.Here to view this Link. is one of the more intriguing prospects. The 2018 offensive tackle checked in at 6-foot-6 and 300 pounds at the Rivals Camp Series in Dallas. He did not shy away from the competition, and while he was raw, he was also very athletic. He moves very well for a big man and his frame has plenty of room to add some very good weight. During the 2014 season, He played both ways at Ferriday High School in Ferriday, La., and earned all-district on both sides of the ball. He is also a standout on the basketball court. Rosenthal will be interesting to watch as he grows and progresses. He has the tools to be one special prospect.

Draft Flashback

Landon CollinsClick Landon CollinsHere to view this Link. was one of the most sought-after recruits in the Southeast out of Geismar (La.) Dutchtown, and his choice to head to Alabama over LSU caused quite a bit of controversy. Even his mom disagreed with him on national television seconds after his commitment at the Under Armour All-American game. As he prepares for the NFL Draft, it is hard to argue with his decision-making. He is projected as a first-round pick and he ended his career as a unanimous All-American selection. He was ranked No. 2 among safety prospects in the 2012 recruiting class and was a five-star recruit. Now he is expected to be one of the first safeties off the board in the 2015 NFL draft.