College football recruiting has changed much over the past few decades, from recruitable prospects to how many players a school can sign in a given year. Recruiting has also changed at Marion High School, where it's believed that this past summer, the school played host to the most active recruiting period in the history of the football program, which began shortly after World War II. More than a dozen Marion varsity football players who will suit up this fall for the Patriots took visits to various schools this summer and “about as many guys who didn't get visits we view as highly recruitable student-athletes,” said fourth-year Marion coach Lance Clark. “The future is extremely bright for our 2024 football team.” Clark knows what a big-time college football recruit looks like. The Alabama native coached a host of players at Power 5 schools during his tenure in his home state when he got started in the field. His run continued when he came to Arkansas in 2018, as he served as Little Rock Christian's defensive coordinator for three seasons. Clark's opinion on recruiting did not change once he got his first head-coaching job in 2021 at Marion. “We have a duty here to not only put the best possible product on the field for our school and for our community, but we also have to do right by our kids,” said Clark. “That includes getting them prepared for college both on the field and in the classroom.” Marion senior all-state left tackle and Louisiana State commit Carius Curne, who's already established himself as the biggest recruit in school history, headlines football's Class of 2025. “Everything has been said about Carius at this point,” said the coach. “He's always looked the part, now he's playing like a P5 guy, and he's going to have a phenomenal career at LSU.” Senior receiver Mitrell Lewis, a projected three-year starter, owns a host of D2 offers, and last month earned an offer from Central Arkansas, while Memphis and Arkansas State have evaluated him. Lewis “has started to reach his full potential this summer,” said Clark. “He's had a good spring and summer session. None of this happens without the weight room. That's changed his fortunes completely. He looks the part now, he plays the ball well.” Tight end Cameron Garrett turns heads in late July at a camp at Arkansas-Monticello, while Alcorn State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff have shown interest. “A lot of colleges project him as a true H-back,” said Clark. “His net is wide right now, it's just about finding the fit from his perspective and for the school, as well.” Senior center Charlie Cantrell has earned interest from many in-state programs, even taking a visit to Lyon College in Batesville. “Charlie can play, he's got a great attitude,” said the coach. “He's a high academic kid, he's the type of guy you want in your program, and he'll have some chances.” Defensive end Tayshon Lowery joined the program last summer and earned snaps in almost every game and “as far as measurables go, he's right up there with Curne,” said Clark. “He's almost six-foot-four on the defensive line. He's only played two years now of organized sports of any kind. He's only had one off-season in the weight room. He's a very good athlete with a high upside. He's going to pop.” Cornerback Taheem Frost broke out last year as a junior, his first season to play an extensive amount of man coverage, earning a Western Illinois offer in July, as Southeast Missouri State continues to monitor his progress after he ran a 4.5 laser-timed 40-yard dash last year at a camp. “He'll have a chance to play football for some good programs, but his ambition is to go somewhere with a good medical school,” said Clark. “If there's a place that can offer that, as well as play football, then that would appeal to him.” Senior tailback Jalen Smith is less than 1,000 yards away from Marion's all-time rushing record after earning all-state honors in his first two varsity seasons, and his college interest could surge through his senior year. “The G5 schools around us love him because he's highly productive,” said Clark. “He seems like a fit for just about any D2 who may be interested because he's gifted.” Linebackers Emmanuel Key and Carter Moore have garnered interest based on their measurables and “they can help someone,” said Clark. “High-character kids and good players. It's just finding that right fit.” While Marion's senior class surges into the fall, the juniors have begun to hear from programs, as well. Junior quarterback Zayden Walker guided the junior varsity team a year ago when he also appeared in a handful of varsity games, but a productive off-season has landed the signal-caller on the radar for schools. “The weight room already this summer has helped his arm strength,” said Clark. “He has a chance now next summer to go to some camps and jump off the page. He's one to watch because he does have a strong arm and he's running a 4.8 most of the time.” Rico Ward moved into the district last February and has turned heads in his short time at Marion. Ward, who many expect to see at tailback and linebacker, attended camps this summer at Southeast Missouri State, Arkansas Tech, and Lyon, and “the best could still be yet to come,” said Clark. “He's a special football player, who's long, and gifted.” Zaedon Wilson also joined the program over the off-season after moving from Jonesboro and he is “exactly what you draw up for a big-time linebacker,” said Clark. “He has the same measurables as any of the guys you watch on Saturday. His best football is in front of him.” Fellow linebackers Zimran Phelix and Chris Byrd emerged during the off-season as recruits, while also zooming up the depth chart. “Those two are young and talented,” said Clark. “They could really open some eyes early this year.” Defensive backs Kejaris and Kajeris Hill, who are twins, Brian Benford, Jr., and defensive linemen Marterion Bazemore and Ryan Blackwell “will play college football somewhere,” said Clark. “It's early to tell where and all that stuff, but they're all extremely good prospects. If they keep progressing then they'll make it.” Sophomore skill players Jeremiah Dent and Max Molloy and linemen Jarrett Selvy and Walter Tucker, Jr. “have massive ceilings,” said Clark. “I am excited to see where this journey takes them.” Marion opens its 2024 football season with its annual benefit scrimmage on August 23 at Valley View, and the Pats' season-opener is scheduled for Friday, August 30 at Wynne. Marion's home opener is set for September 6 against defending Class 4A state champion Harding Academy. Every Marion football game can be viewed for free on MarionPatriots.com, on the Marion Patriots Activities Network YouTube channel, as well as the MPAN mobile app.