Football Preview: Central Arkansas
Looking back at the 2008 Central Arkansas football season, it's tough to pick out the best thing about it. The Bears recorded 10 wins and their highest winning percentage (.833) since the 1980s. UCA defeated McNeese State, winning the inaugural Red Beans & Rice Bowl to finish first in the league standings. As a team, UCA had one of its best seasons in school history in 27 different statistical categories while landing 13 all-conference selections, including six first-team members and league player of the year in quarterback Nathan Brown.
But as the 2009 season approaches, Clint Conque, the 2008 Southland Conference Coach of the Year, and the Bears cannot afford to bask in the glow of their 2008 season. Brown is gone in addition to a highly successful senior class, including two players who were selected by the NFL, three starters on the offensive line, and a fifth-year defensive back who tied for the team lead in interceptions.
Conque, who enters his 10th season at UCA, remains upbeat about the 2009 prospects despite the staggering personnel losses and the tremendous shadow cast from the 2008 season. For all the Bears' offensive prowess, they were also among the best defenses in the Southland and return eight starters and many others who had a significant impact. On offense, six starters are back and there is no shortage of impact skill players - both established difference-makers and those waiting to make their mark.
At quarterback, the most gaping hole to fill, an established veteran, a promising redshirt freshman and a highly-regarded transfer are vying for the starting signal-caller position. Coming out of the spring, veteran Robbie Park emerged as the new No. 1. Park, in his seventh year removed from high school, comes into his fourth year at UCA as the most experienced of the candidates. After starting three games in 2006 for an injured Brown, Park has filled in briefly during the last two seasons and is now 75 of 142 (52.8 percent) for 870 yards with two touchdowns in 25 career games. He will be challenged by Nathan Dick and Trae Cook.
Senior running back Brent Grimes returns for his final season in a UCA uniform coming off one of the most productive seasons in school history. In 2008, the elusive Grimes set league records for most touchdowns in a season (21) and total points (126), the second-most in a season ever in a century of UCA football. With 396 career carries for 1,838 yards (4.6 per carry) and 32 touchdowns to go with 80 receptions for 790 yards (9.9 per catch) and eight touchdowns.
Just as the UCA passing game took a hit with Brown's departure, it took a big hit when leading receivers Marquez Branson and Eric Ware - who combined to catch 95 passes for 1,495 yards and 16 touchdowns a year ago - signed pro contracts, ending their collegiate careers. Junior Willie Landers returns as the leading receiver after grabbing 44 passes for 735 yards for seven touchdowns. James Lovett caught 30 passes for 362 yards in his first year in the program and should be counted on more heavily in 2009.
Larry Hart, the league's defensive player of the year, leads a talented Bears defense that many expect to serve as the team's strength in 2009. Last season the Bears proved to have the stingiest defense in the Southland, leading the league in scoring defense and finishing second in run defense. Though they lose defensive lineman Tim Holloway, defensive end Quad Sanders and cornerback Dathan Johnson, eight starters and a host of other contributors return to keep intact what UCA feels could be the league's top defensive unit.