Cash Archer making transition from edge to linebacker

ALMA, Ark. — Greenwood Class of 2025 linebacker Cash Archer was one of the state’s top defensive ends last year, but now he’s making the transition to linebacker.

Archer and Greenwood participated in the 11th Annual Lumber 1 7-on-7 Showcase at Alma High School on Friday. As a junior, Archer was one of the key members of the Greenwood 13-0 season that ended with a state championship.

At the edge last season, Archer had had 78 tackles, 29 for loss, 20 sacks, 38 quarterback hurries, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles and blocked both a punt and kick. Archer talked about how the transition to linebacker has been for him.

“It has been a little easier than I expected,” Archer said. “My vision is good. I’m out of shape right now, but I have good speed. I enjoy it. It’s a fun challenge.”

Archer was at Missouri on Thursday where he ran a 4.71 in the 40-yard dash. He will go to football camp at Arkansas on Thursday. He talked about what he’s hoping to get done at the Arkansas camp and show the coaches.

“Just that I’m fast enough to play the position at the level they want me to play,” Archer said. “Enjoy it.

“Missouri was pretty good. I’m a little out of shape, but it went good.”

While Archer is a force with pads on in the fall making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks he talked about how 7-on-7 helps him.

“I’m adjusted to the run game in football,” Archer said. “I need to work on the pass and 7-on-7 helps me.”

After an undefeated season in 2023 and a state title, how good can the 2024 version of the Bulldogs be?

“As good as last year,” Archer said. “We have a really good team here. We have kids who could have played last year, but had older players above them. Hopefully we can be as good as we were last year.”

Archer talked about what he feels are his strengths on the field.

“I bring it every single play,” Archer said. “I don’t give up. I’m always trying to make a play. It doesn’t matter if I’m on the ground that play. Whatever it is.”

Archer is very aggressive on defense. He was asked on Friday where the aggressiveness came from?

“I really don’t know,” Archer said. “I’ve just never seen a point not giving it your all.”

Archer is 6-1, 220-pounds at this time. He’s a three-star recruit who has several offers. Among them are Arkansas State, Ole Miss, Louisville, SEMO, Missouri State, Louisiana-Monroe, Toledo and others.