NEW On the move? Let us read it for you. LISTEN NOW
Your browser does not support the audio element.
NFL veteran linebacker and former Arkansas State University standout Demario Davis is the 2025 All Arkansas Preps keynote speaker, sponsored by CHI St. Vincent. He will speak at the event and present athletes' awards.
The banquet will be Saturday, June 14 at 6 p.m. in the Wally Allen Ballroom of the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. The event will honor more than 400 high school athletes from across the state that has excelled in one of 12 sports. Arkansas Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Famer Steve Sullivan will host the program at the banquet with special guest David Bazzel.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette started All Arkansas Preps before the 2012-13 season, and the end-of-the-year awards banquet has featured keynote speakers Denver Bronco and Indianapolis Colt Peyton Manning, New Orleans Saint Drew Brees, basketball analyst Dick Vitale, baseball's Cal Ripken Jr., Dallas Cowboy Emmitt Smith, Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee, former Arkansas Razorback Hunter Henry, NFL quarterback Jake Fromm, Major League Baseball star and Pine Bluff native Torii Hunter, Olympian Carli Lloyd and the 1994 Arkansas Razorback NCAA championship team.
"Our speakers have always motivated our athletes and showcased the essential principles of success," said Amanda Copley, marketing and events director of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. "Hearing firsthand from Davis about his professional journey and celebrating alongside our esteemed athletes makes for an unforgettable Arkansas event."
Davis, a three-sport athlete at Brandon High School in Mississippi, played linebacker for the Arkansas State Red Wolves and recorded a team-leading 80 tackles as a sophomore. He was later taken in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the New York Jets.
As a restricted free agent in 2018 and considered one of the top linebackers available, he signed a three-year deal with the New Orleans Saints. By Week 4 he had recorded 11 tackles and two sacks. Davis was ranked 43rd by his fellow players in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2023.
All Arkansas Preps celebrates high school athletes from across the state and their accomplishments in 12 sports. An editorial committee from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette picks first, second and under classmen teams in football, basketball, baseball and soccer, and female teams in basketball, softball, volleyball and soccer. Male/female teams in golf, tennis, cross-country, wrestling, swimming/dive and track are chosen through overall and Meet of Champions statewide competition. The committee polls coaches and media members from across the state for team recommendations, taking into account individual statistics and team success from the previous season.
"The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette has a long history of honoring athletes in our home state. I am excited about our role in this event that will recognize the best high school athletes," said Wally Hall, assistant managing editor/sports for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
The team selections will appear in the newspaper and online at www.allarkansaspreps.com. A special section highlighting all the teams and the event will be published on Sunday, June 22. Student athletes that make up each sports team will receive free admission to the event. Razorback teammates will present the Outstanding Player Award in each sport (male and female) as well as the Overall Male Athlete, Overall Female Athlete and Coach of the Year.
Other awards will be given to honor special athletes that have made an impact on and off the field. CHI St. Vincent will present an award to a student athlete who has overcome a health challenge to excel in one of the 12 sports.
"The CHI St. Vincent Health Award honors a student athlete who has overcome an injury or disease to inspire their team and their community," said Chad Aduddell, market CEO of CHI St. Vincent. "Each year, we accept nominations from communities, schools and coaches from all over Arkansas. Every year, we have found ourselves having to choose from powerful, heartwarming and inspiring stories of these outstanding students who have demonstrated courage in overcoming adversity."
Aduddell will present the award at the banquet.
The Hussman Community Award will be presented to an athlete who has a great impact on their community. All those honored will be chosen by committee from entries submitted by high school coaches and the general public. General admission tickets are available now. Visit www.allarkansaspreps.com for details on the student athletes and event.