BENTONVILLE -- A talented group of sophomores is trying to make a strong case that they deserve to see some time with the varsity team this fall, and it has caught coach Jody Grant's attention.

Grant said Luke Miller has earned a look in the Tigers' receiving corps, while Cole Joyce and Keegan Stinespring have done well enough at linebacker that it has allowed senior Henry Shreve to split his time between linebacker and the defensive line, where Bentonville already has a talented group.

"I feel really good about the play of some of our sophomores," Grant said. "Luke has added more to our playmakers at receiver, and Cole and Keegan run so well to the ball. It's not only depth to our team, but it also gives us some flexibility."

Friday's practice closed out the second week of preseason workouts, and now Bentonville has two weeks remaining before its Aug. 25 season opener against Midwest City, Okla.

"I've seen some good growth and some development in each practice," Grant said. "There are going to be some ups and downs as we install some new things in order to get ready for the seasons, but things are coming so much faster now.

"We have to realize that we will start our game week practices next week. The players, though, are doing what we are asking right now, and I'm anxious to see them perform against somebody else."

Bentonville will travel Thursday to Tulsa and participate in the Union Gridiron Classic.
