ETSN.fm Class 3A Preseason Poll: No. 8, Arp

In a region full of state-title contenders, it was the Arp Tigers who ultimately came out on top in Region III of Class 3A Division II.

Arp, after knocking off previously unbeaten and regional favorite Newton in the Region III championship game, succumbed to Boling in the state semifinals.

Despite suffering heavy losses from graduation, Arp will begin the year ranked No. 8 in our preseason Class 3A poll.

The Tigers are having to replace 15 starters from last year's 12-3 team.

On the bright side, 15th-year head coach Dale Irwin welcomes back arguably East Texas' most gifted player in senior defensive back DeMarvion Overshown.

Last season, Overshown became a household name not only in the area but throughout the nation.

He is East Texas' most recruited player in the 2018 class with 30 Division I FBS offers. Overshown committed to the University of Texas' highly-regarded recruiting class in May.

Overshown (6-4, 200) recorded 173 tackles with five interceptions, eight forced fumbles, and two blocked punts in 2016.

Expect to see him line up in a multitude of positions on defense, having experience on the line and at linebacker. Don't be surprised if Overshown has an expanded role on the offensive side of the ball as well.

Demontrae Wade, a 1,200-yard rusher from a season ago, returns as well.

Newcomers will have to grow up in a hurry if Arp is to once again be in the thick of a loaded 9-3A, which also includes West Rusk, Elysian Fields, Waskom, and Beckville.