Football
Brown announces changes to Bears’ staff ahead of spring practice
Some new faces, some returning for another stint at UCA and some serving in new roles on football staff
CONWAY,Ark. — When Central Arkansas hits the practice field next week, the coaching staff overseeing them will have a different look.
Coach Nathan Brown has revamped his staff heading into the 2025 season, with some new faces, some returning for another stint at UCA and some serving in new roles.
“We are excited to make some great additions and adjustments to our 2025 football coaching staff,” Brown said a week out from the start of spring practice on March 6. “We have a good mix of new ideas and familiarity within our program. There are several new faces in roles and also some coaches from our staff that will have enhanced roles moving forward.”
One notable addition — or return — is Chad Williams as defensive coordinator, replacing the retiring Greg Stewart.
“I am excited about the return of Chad Williams as our defensive coordinator,” said Brown. “Chad spent 2018 to 2020 with us in the same role and gave us some of the highest caliber defenses we have had at the Division 1 level during that time. We finished the 2019 season as a national playoff seed and a Southland title with him calling our defenses.
“He has spent the last four years at his alma mater at Southern Miss, as the linebackers coach and run game coordinator. Not only does Chad bring a ton of coordinating experience to us but also a wealth of NFL knowledge.
“He played safety and linebacker in the NFL for the Baltimore Ravens for almost a decade and brings that mentality to work every single day. He demands details and respect from his players and they get better every day because of that.”
Blaze Barista, who will be the safeties coach and transfer portal coordinator, was previously in the UCA program in 2022 on the defensive side of the ball working with outside linebackers.
“Blaze Barista is a young talented coach in the football profession,” said Brown. “Blaze is coming to us from The Citadel where he was the safeties coach on staff there. He is one of the most talented recruiters I have been around and really demands the room at a high level in the secondary. He coaches with passion and energy everyday and has made us better on defense the second he stepped on campus.”
On the offensive side of the ball there are several changes, not the least of which is Brown taking over offensive coordinator duties. He has also hired a new running backs coach in Will Kennedy and a new quarterbacks coach in Chase Fourcade.
“We have made some adjustments to our offensive staff and one of those is coaching the position of quarterback,’ said Brown. “I wanted to hire someone to take the roll as quarterback coach and run the day to day operations and that guy was Chase Fourcade.
“Chase is a familiar name to UCA not because of his ties to UCA but in playing and competing against UCA in his playing career at Nicholls. Chase was one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play in the Southland Conference.
“He is the all-time leading passer and total offensive guy in Nicholls history. He was a conference player of the year at the quarterback position and turned that into a three-year professional career between the NFL, CFL, and USFL.
Chase recently retired from the game and got into coaching and was a natural fit to run that room. I have stayed in touch with him over the years and always thought I would want to hire him on our staff if given the opportunity. Chase brings a wealth of knowledge and is a fundamental expert with the quarterback position.”
Kennedy has obvious Conway ties as a former Conway Wampus Cat student-athlete.
“I am excited to announce Will Kennedy as our new running backs coach,” said Brown. “Will is very familiar with the community of Conway as a Wampus Cat alum. Will went to the University of Arkansas out of high school and got into coaching during his undergraduate days at Arkansas. He has since turned that into a graduate assistant job that assisted with the running backs position.
“Will has coached with some great offensive minds while at Arkansas such as Dan Enos and Bobby Petrino. He has SEC experience and has seen that position group run at the highest level. Will is young and smart and understands the fundamental side of coaching the running back room. He will make us better at that position every single day.”
Ken Collums, the Bears’ former offensive coordinator and a UCA Sports Hall of Famer from his playing days, has assumed a new role with the Bears as assistant head coach and tight ends coach.
“We have also changed and enhanced the rolls of several coaches on our staff. Ken Collums will now take over as assistant head coach and tight ends coach,” said Brown. “With Coach Collums experience as a head coach and his overall care for young men and knowing the game of football, he is a valuable asset to what we are trying to build here. He has been doing this for a long time and has a wealth of experience and knowledge that is invaluable to us.”
Also on the offensive side of the ball, Jake Walker moves from tight ends to wide receivers and adds the title of offensive pass game coordinator.
“He is one of the brighter young coaches I have been around and has made us better in our wide receiver room with detail and knowledge,” said Brown. “He has a great mind for the game and you can see him really spreading his wings, coaching a skill position now.
“Offensive line coach Gunnar Boykin is also adding the offensive run game coordinator to his coaching title. He has been with me for all seven of my years here and has consistently had one of the better offensive lines in the conference.
“Gunnar has a lot of skills when it comes to scheming an offense and I use him as a security blanket for me and what we are trying to accomplish on the offensive side of the ball.
“We are also excited to get Brooks Hollingsworth back and use him on the offensive side of the ball as an analyst. Brooks is a UCA Hall of Famer that knows more ball than the whole staff combined. He will add to the game plan room and scheming a winning offense every day.”
Special teams will also feature a few changes, according to Brown.
“We have made some adjustments in the third phase of the game as well. Kre Trammell will now be our special teams coordinator,” he said. “Kre is as talented of a young coach as I have ever been around. He is organized and detailed and will look to attack on special teams. We need this phase to be a weapon and allow us to gain an advantage every week. He will oversee all units on special teams as well as still coaching our corners on defense.
“Walker Ashburn will add the co-special teams coordinator to his title and will oversee our punt unit. This unit is probably as important as any in this phase and having Walker just focus on the scheme and execution of this unit will make us better. Walker will handle this along with other responsibilities within Coach Trammell’s special teams units while also coaching our interior defensive line.”
The mainstay on the defensive side is Tony Davis, who coaches UCA’s defensive ends and edge rushers.
“Tony Davis is returning as our defensive line edge coach and defensive run game coordinator,” said Brown. “Tony has been with me for the past seven years and we have always had one of the higher caliber defensive lines in the conference. I think Coach Davis is one of the best defensive line coaches in the country at the FCS level. One of the big reasons for David Walker’s success should be attributed to Coach Davis and the way he developed him.”
The Bears are scheduled to open Spring Practice on Thursday, March 6. The Spring Game is scheduled for Saturday, April 12 on The Stripes.
Information from UCA Sports is included in this story.
Football
UCA signs 38 new players for Nathan Brown on Signing Day
Large group of in-state players signed along with some transfers with big-time experience for new-looking roster
CONWAY, Ark. — Central Arkansas announced 38 new student-athletes on Wednesday at a National Signing Day reception at Buffalo Alumni Hall on the UCA campus.
UCA coach Nathan Brown announced a large class of 38 hailing from nine different states. The state of Arkansas was represented the most with 16 student-athletes, followed by Mississippi (7), Texas (5), Louisiana (3), Tennessee (3) and one each from Alabama, Oklahoma, Kansas and Wisconsin.
UCA had an across-the-board recruiting class, signing seven wide receivers, six defensive linemen, six defensive backs, six offensive linemen, four linebackers, three quarterbacks, three running backs and one placekicker, tight end and snapper.
MID-YEAR ENROLLEES
Gavin Smith (Long Snapper) 6’1 210
Trinity Valley Community College (Lago Vista, TX)
• 2024 2 nd Team SWJCFC All-Conference Selection
• 2023 Texas 4A District 6 Selection
• THAA Academic All-State Selection
• Kohls Listed Snapper List
Tyler Madsen (Kicker) 5’10 180
Lamar University (Lubbock, TX)
• Two-time 3A-4 All-District Selection (Kicker)
• Two-time 3A-4 All-District Selection (Punter)
• West Texas Kicker of the Year
• 2023 Dave Campbell Pre-Season All-American Selection
• 2023 Padilla Poll 1 st Team Punter
• HSFA 2023 HS Football Academic All-American
Jaylyn Spencer (Defensive Tackle) 6’1 290
East Central Community College (Hattiesburg, MS)
• Career Defensive Statistics: 40 Tackles 4 Sacks 5 TFL 1 Sack
• Rivals Listed Prospect
• 2024 Pre-Season MACCC All-State Selection List
• ECCC Defensive Player of the game (Week 2)
• Jay Chriswell DL Honors Selection
• MACCC Honor Roll
Other Offers: MS Valley State, Alcorn State, Northwestern State
Trevion Traylor (Defensive Tackle) 6’0 275
Northwest Missouri State (Russellville, AR)
• 2024 NW MO State Defensive Stats: 19 Tackles 3.5 TFL 2.5 Sacks
• High School Career Stats: 113 Tackles 13 Sacks 28 TFL
• 247 Listed Prospect
• Rivals 2 Star Prospect
• 2021 & 2022 6A All-State Selection
• AAA All Star Selection
• 2021 & 2022 6A Wrestling State Champion
• 2022 Power Lifting State Champion
• Two-time MIAA All-Academic Selection
Other Offers: Murray State, SEMO, Pittsburgh State, OBU, Harding
Jakobe Shell (Defensive End) 6’2 255
Henderson State University (Forrest City, AR)
• 2024 Henderson State Defensive Stats: 52 Tackles 12 TFL 7 Sacks 2 FF
• 2024 All-GAC 1 st Team Selection
• 2024 D2 Football Region 3 All-Defensive Selection
• 2024 Henderson State Leader in Sacks and QB hurries
• D2Football.com 2 nd Team All-American
• All-Arkansas Preps Defensive Lineman of the Year
• Fox Sports D2 All-American Selection 2024
• 2022 5A AAA Shot Put Champion
Other Offers: UAPB, MS Valley State, Alcorn State, Jackson State
Gary Lewis (Defensive End/Bandit) 6’2 235
Henderson State University (Fordyce, AR)
• Career Henderson State Defensive Stats: 118 Tackles 20.5 TFL 14 Sacks 4 FF
• 2022-2024 All-GAC Conference Selection
• 2023 D2Football.com All-American Selection
• Elite 100 Athlete
• Cliff Harris D2 Defensive Player of the Year Award Finalist
• Two-time 3A AAA All-State Selection
• Two-time 3A State Champion
Other Offers: UTEP, Tarleton State, Lamar, Alabama State, Charleston Southern, MS Valley
State, Houston Christian, North Alabama
Tyrell Pollard (Wide Receiver) 6’2 200
Hinds Community College (Hattiesburg, MS)
• 2024 Offensive Statistics: 25 Receptions 501 yards 7 TD
• 247 Listed Prospect
• Rivals 2 Star Prospect
• Rivals 32 nd Ranks Juco WR in the country
• 2024 MACCC 2 nd Team All-State Selection
• MS Knights All-WR Freaks List
• 2024 Hinds Offensive MVP
Other Offers: UAB, UL Lafayette, Troy, Western KY, Alcorn State, Jackson State, Southeastern
LA, Northwestern State, UT Martin, Murray State
Ty Durham (Wide Receiver) 5’11 185
Coffeyville Community College (Bentonville, AR)
• 2024 Offensive Stats: 32 catches 365 yards 4 TD
• 2022 High School Stats: 65 catches 1,263 yards 16 TD
• 2024 KJCCC All-State Honorable Mention Selection
• Three-time 7A West All-Conference Selection
• 2022 AAA 7A All-State Selection
• 2022 Hootens All-Arkansas Selection
• 2023 Baseball Signee to Southern Miss
Other Offers: UT Martin, Southern Nazarene, East Central, Northern KY, MO Southern
Kam Bibby (Wide Receiver) 6’1 195
University of Arkansas (El Dorado, AR)
• 2022 Offensive Statistics: 40 catches 1,088 yards 10 TD
• 247 Listed Prospect
• Rivals 3 Star Prospect
• 2021 & 2022 AAA 6A All-State Selection
• Hootens 14 th ranked Prospect in Arkansas
• 6A State Champion 2021
• Track Letterman
• Baseball Letterman
Other Offers: SEMO, Northwestern State
Jay’len Mosley (Wide Receiver) 6’0 190
Jackson Christian HS (Jackson, TN)
• Career Receiving Statistics: 221 catches 4,187 yards 60 TD
• Tennessee HS Record Holder in TD catches
• 247 3-star Prospect
• 247 14 th ranked Prospect in TN
• Rivals 4-star Prospect
• Four-time TNHSAA All-State Selection
• 2023 Tennessee Mr. Football winner
• 2024 Tennessee Mr. Football Finalist
• East/West Tennessee All-Star Game Selection
• UnderArmour All-American Game Invite
• Basketball Letterman
• Early High School Graduate
Other Offers: Arizona, Auburn, Liberty, Louisville, Memphis, Arkansas State, Missouri State,
Purdue, Vanderbilt, UT Martin, Austin Peay
Parker Perry (Wide Receiver) 6’3 195
Murray State University (Little Rock, AR)
• 2022 Offensive Stats: 39 catches 758 yards 11 TD
• 247 Listed Prospect
• On3 Listed Prospect
• 2022 All-Metro team Selection
• Two-time 5A Central All-Conference Selection
• 2022 AAA 5A All-State Selection
• Hootens top 40 Prospect in Arkansas
Other Offers: Middle TN, Arkansas State, UT Martin
Sam Driggers (Wide Receiver) 5’11 200
Middle Tennessee State University (Medina, TN)
• Offensive Statistics: 4,680 passing yards 59 TD
• Two-time 1A THAA All-State Selection
• Three-time 1A-4 All-Region Selection
• 2022 1A-4 Region Player of the Year
• Gibson County, TN Hall of Fame
• 2022 Gibson County Player of the Year
Other Offers: Morehead State, Presbyterian, West Florida
Luther Richesson (Quarterback) 6’3 225
University of Cincinnati/Middle Tennessee State University (Nashville, TN)
• 2022 High School Stats: 189-228 2,433 yards 34 TD
• 247 4 Star Prospect
• 2023 247 2 nd ranked Juco QB Prospect in the country
• 2021 & 2022 2AA District 2 All-District Selection
• 2AA Tennessee State Champion
• Elite 11 Finalist
• 2024 Conference USA Academic Honor Roll
• Father (Luke) is a long time NFL strength coach with Denver Broncos, Houston Texans,
and Jacksonville Jaguars. Mother (Anita) was an Olympic swimmer where she won a
gold, silver, and bronze medal in the 1992 Olympics in the Breaststroke.
Other Offers: Tarleton State, SFA, Lamar, Austin Peay, Eastern KY, North Alabama. Western
Illinois, Abilene Christian
Peyton Lyon (Quarterback) 6’1 205
St Norbert College (Oshkosh, WI)
• Career Passing Stats: 123-230 3,374 yards 34 TD
• Career Rushing Stats: 29 Attempts 114 yards 3 TD
• 2023 NACC All-Conference Honorable Mention Selection
• 2024 NACC All-Conference Honorable Mention Selection
• NACC Honor Roll
• St Norbert Deans List
Jhace Mallard (Linebacker) 6’0 210
East Central Community College (West Point, MS)
• Career Defensive Statistics: 106 Tackles 21 TFL 4 FF 1 INT
• MS North-South Benard Blackwell All-Star Game
• Two-time All-District Selection
• 2023 & 2024 MACCC Academic All-State Selection
Other Offers: Austin Peay, Fayetteville State, Tuskegee, Long Island University
Jacorey Jones (Linebacker) 6’1 215
Northwest MS Community College (Cleveland, MS)
• Career Defensive Stats: 64 Tackles, 4 TFL, 2.5 Sacks
• Rivals Listed Prospect
• ESPN Listed Prospect
• 2024 MACCC All-State 2 nd Team Selection
• MS Delta Times All-Defensive Team
• 2024 Two-time Defensive player of the week for NWCC
Other Offers: Alcorn State, Northwestern State, Texas Southern, Delta State
Kyle Vocque (Linebacker) 6’0 220
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff (Bauxite, AR)
• 2024 UAPB Defensive Stats: 35 Tackles 1.5 TFL 1 FF
• 2023 High School Stats: 132 Tackles 3 Sacks 11 TFL 4 FF 1 INT
• 2022 & 2023 4A AAA All-State Selection
• 2023 Hootens All-Arkansas Team
• 2023 Monster Camp MVP
• 4A AAA State Champion Wrestler
Other Offers: Arkansas Tech, SAU, OBU, Henderson State
Mari Smith (Defensive Back) 5’11 180
University of Tulsa (Fort Smith, AR)
• Career Defensive Statistics: 78 Tackles 6 INT 14 PBU
• 247 Listed Prospect
• ESPN 2 Star Prospect
• 2022 & 2023 7A All-State Selection
• Hooten 18 th rated prospect in Arkansas
• 2022 100-meter Meet of Champs Champion (10.51)
• 2022 200-meter State Champion
• Arkansas Track and Field Hall of Fame member
Other Offers: UTSA, Murray State
Marcus Washington (Defensive Back) 5’11 185
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (D’Iberville, MS)
• 2024 Defensive Statistics: 44 Tackles 4.5 TFL 2 INT
• MACCC All-State Honorable Mention Selection
• 2024 Biloxi Times All-DB Team
• 2024 MACCC All Defensive Team Selection
• MACCC National Honor Roll
• Associates degree with High Honors
Other Offers: UTEP, Campbell, West Alabama, UAPB
Collin Dunn (Defensive Back) 6’1 195
Kansas State University/Itawamba Community College (Tuscaloosa, AL)
• 2024 Defensive Statistics: 33 Tackles 2.5 TFL 6 PBU
• 247 3 Star Prospect
• 247 62 nd ranked DB Prospect in the country
• Rivals 3 Star Prospect
• 2024 MACCC All-State Selection
• North MS All-State Selection
• Associates degree with High Honors
Other Offers: UTEP, UT Martin, Alabama State, Jacksonville State, Samford
Nylan Harper (Defensive Back) 5’10 180
Jacksonville State University/East Central Community College (Pascagoula,
MS)
• 2024 Defensive Statistics: 26 Tackles 8 PBU
• ESPN 3 Star Prospect
• ESPN 19 th ranked Juco DB in the country
• 2024 Pre-Season All American Juco World
• 2024 Jackson Column All-Area Team DB
• Baseball Letterman
• MACCC Honor Roll
Other Offers: Temple, Western KY, Samford, Morehouse College, UT Martin, Tuskegee,
Hampton University, Alcorn State, Minnesota State
Chapman McKown (Running Back) 5’8 200
University of Oklahoma (Norman, OK)
• 2022 Rushing Stats: 1,103 yards 13 TD
• 247 3 Star Prospect
• 247 38 th ranked Prospect in Oklahoma
• 2022 Oklahoma 6A-1 All-District RB of the Year
• 2022 OHSFAA All-State Selection
• FCA All-State Selection
• Norman North MVP 2022
• 100-meter champion (10.6)
• 60-meter Track champion
• Former World Team member (Wrestling)
• 2024 SEC Honor Roll
Other Offers: Tulsa, Central Oklahoma, Northen Colorado, Abilene Christian, SFA, Lamar,
Prairie View
Cam Young (Running Back) 5’10 200
Murray State University (West Point, MS)
• 247 Listed Prospect
• Rivals Listed Prospect
• Two-time MAC 5A All-State Selection
• Mississippi/Alabama All Star Game
• 2022 MS Region 1-5A Offensive Player of the Year
• Two-time 5A State Champion
• Track Letterman
Other Offers: Delta State, MS Valley State, Alcorn State, UT Martin
Lane Jeffcoat (Offensive Line) 6’9 325
Rice University (Bentonville, AR)
• 247 3 Star Prospect
• 247 12 th Rated Prospect in Arkansas
• Rivals 3 Star Prospect
• 2021-2023 7A AAA All-State Selection
• 2023 AAA Offensive Lineman of the Year
• Two-Time 7A West All-Conference Basketball Selection
• AAC All-Academic Selection
• National Honor Society member
Other Offers: Missouri State, Tulsa
Walker Baty (Offensive Line) 6’4 300
University of Texas San Antonio (Liberty Hill, TX)
• 247 3 Star Prospect
• Rivals top 100 Texas HS Prospect
• All Conference USA Honorable Mention Selection
• 0 Sacks Allowed in 2024
• UTSA Graduate
• 16 career starts on Offensive Line at UTSA
• Basketball Letterman
• American Athletic Conference Honor Roll
Other Offers: Tarleton State, UTRGV, Abilene Christian, Lamar, Prairie View
Senon Chapple (Offensive Line) 6’0 280
University of Colorado State Pueblo (Fort Worth, TX)
• 2023 & 2024 1 st Team Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Selection
• 2023 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year
• 2023 D2Football.com Freshmen All-American
• 2024 1 st Team All-Colorado Selection
• 2022 6A THCAA All-State Center Selection
• RMAC Academic Honor Roll
Other Offers: Tarleton State, SFA, Lamar, Northern Colorado
HIGH SCHOOL SIGNEES
Owen Miller (Quarterback) 6’2 185
Harding Academy High School (Searcy, AR)
• Career Offensive Passing Statistics: 10,616 yards 115 TD
• Career Offensive Rushing Statistics: 1,908 yards 28 TD
• 2024 5A East Player of the Year
• 2024 AAA 5A All-State Selection
• On3 3 Star Prospect
• On3 12th rated Prospect in Arkansas
• Rivals 3 Star Prospect
• 2023 Hootens 4A Offensive Player of the Year
• 2023 ArkSportsNet Player of the Year
• Elite 11 Regional winner
• National Record holder for completion percentage in career
• Two-time State Champion
• 400m Track State Champion
• National Honor Society member
• 3.6 HS GPA
Other Offers: Navy, UT Martin, Eastern KY, Murray State
JT Layton (Tight End) 6’3 225
Oak Grove High School (Oak Grove, LA)
• Career Offensive Receiving Stats: 73 catches 1,055 yards 13 TD
• Career Offensive Rushing Stats: 53 carries 361 yards 7 TD
• 247 3 Star Prospect
• 247 57 th rated Prospect in Louisiana
• 247 118 th rated TE Prospect in the country
• 2023 & 2024 All-2A District 2 Selection
• 2024 LAA 2A All-State Selection
• North Louisiana Fab 40 List Prospect
Other Offers: Arkansas State, LA Tech, LA Monroe, Northwestern State, Southeastern LA,
Lamar, Cornell, Dartmouth, SEMO
Jaxon Oliver (Defensive Tackle) 6’3 315
Fayetteville High School (Fayetteville, AR)
• 2024 Defensive Statistics: 56 Tackles 6 Sacks 20 TFL 3 FF
• Rivals List Prospect
• 2024 AAA 7A All-State Selection
• 2023 & 2024 7A West All-Conference Selection
• 2024 1 st Team Northwest AR Selection
• Hootens 7A Defensive Player of the Year nominee
• 2023 State Champion
Other Offers: SEMO, Pittsburgh State, Fort Hays State, West TX A&M, Central Oklahoma,
Northwest Mo State
Hakeem Norman (Defensive Tackle) 6’3 320
Huntington High School (Shreveport, LA)
• 2024 Defensive Statistics: 48 Tackles 20 TFL 3 Sacks
• Rivals 2 Star Prospect
• 2024 LHSAA 5A All-State Honorable Mention
• 2023 & 2024 All-5A District 4 Selection
• Louisiana Top 50 Prospect
• Letterman in Wrestling
• 2023 5A District for All District Track
Other Offers: Texas Tech, UTSA, Grambling, LA Tech, Northwestern State
Cash Archer (Linebacker) 6’2 220
Greenwood High School (Greenwood, AR)
• Career Defensive Stats: 224 Tackles 39.5 Sacks 82.5 TFL 2 INT 11 FF
• 247 3 Star Prospect
• 247 13 th rated Prospect in Arkansas
• 247 146 th rated LB in the country
• Rivals 2 Star Prospect
• 2023 & 2024 AAA 6A All-State Selection
• 2024 Hootens 6A Defensive Play of the Year
• 2023 6A West Defensive Player of the Year
• Hootens 19 th rated Prospect in Arkansas
• Three-time State Champion
Other Offers: Arkansas State, LA Monroe, Missouri State, New Mexico State, Toledo, UNLV,
SEMO
Damond Williams (Running Back) 5’11 215
South Oak Cliff High School (Dallas, TX)
• Career Rushing Stats: 156 carries 1,745 yards 16 TD
• 2023 & 2024 5A-2 All-District Selection
• 2023 THSAA 5A All-State Honorable Mention
• 2024 G-Power RB of the Year
• Dallas Sporting News RB Selection
• Dave Campbell Recruit Watch List
• 2022 State Champion
• 3.5 HS GPA
Other Offers: Missouri State, West TX A&M, UIW, Northeastern State, Lamar,
Abrum Lewis (Offensive Line) 6’6 325
Covington High School (Covington, LA)
• 247 Listed Prospect
• On3 2 Star rated Prospect
• 2024 6-5A All-District 1 st Team Selection
• 2023 LFCA 5A All-State 2 nd Team Selection
• 2023 & 2024 St. Tammany Parish Selection
• Gridiron Football All-American Selection
• Houston UnderArmour All-American camp invite
• NOLA.com Thrifty 30 Selection
Other Offers: Arkansas State, Troy, LA Tech, Colorado State, Southern Miss, Southeastern LA,
McNeese, Northwestern State
Drayton Knoll (Offensive Line) 6’5 305
Holcomb High School (Holcomb, KS)
• 2023 Defensive Statistics: 39 Tackles 7.5 TFL 2 Sacks
• 247 3 Star Prospect
• 247 16 th rated Prospect in Kansas
• 247 104 th rated OL in the country
• 2023 & 2024 KHAA 5A All-State 1 st Team Selection
• 2023 & 2024 ALL GWAC Selection
• Basketball Letterman
• Track Letterman
• National Honor Society member
• 4.0 HS GPA
Other Offers: Utah State, Western Illinois, Lindenwood, Cornell, Dartmouth, Eastern Michigan
Joshua Thomas (Offensive Line) 6’8 315
Greenbrier High School (Greenbrier, AR)
• Rivals Listed Prospect
• 2023 & 2024 5A West All-Conference Selection
• 2024 AAA 5A All-State Selection
• 5A West Offensive Lineman of the Year
• US Army All-American Bowl Watch List
• Shock Dr All Big man Team Selection
• 2024 Faulkner County Super Team Selection
• 3.7 HS GPA
Other Offers: LA Tech, Missouri State, Austin Peay
Camron Massey (Wide Receiver) 6’0 180
Northside High School (Fort Smith, AR)
• 247 Listed Prospect
• Rivals 2 Star Prospect
• 2024 AAA 7A All-State Selection
• 2023 & 2024 7A Central All-Conference Selection
• 2024 All-River Valley Selection
• NUC All-American Game Invite
• Long Jump Track State Champion
• 2023 AAA All-State Track
Other Offers: North Texas, UNLV, Arkansas State, SEMO, UT Martin
Michael Hayes (Defensive Back) 5’10 180
Robinson High School (Little Rock, AR)
• Career Defensive Stats: 114 Tackles 6.5 TFL 3 INT
• Career Offensive Stats: 27 catches 398 yards 8 TD
• 247 Listed Prospect
• Hootens 32nd rated Prospect in Arkansas
• 2023 & 2024 AAA 5A All-State Selection
• 2024 Arkansas Democrat Gazette Super Team Selection
• AAA All Star Game Selection
• 3.5 HS GPA
Other Offers: Bryant, SFA, SEMO, North Alabama
Jeremiah Adaway (Defensive Back) 5’11 185
Hot Spring High School (Hot Springs, AR)
• 2024 Defensive Stats: 86 Tackles 4 TFL 4 INT
• 247 Listed Prospect / On3 2 Star Prospect
• 2023 & 2024 AAA 5A All-State Selection
• 2024 5A South Defensive Back of the Year
• AAA All Star Game Selection
• 3.6 HS GPA
Other Offers: Alcorn State, UAPB, Northwest MO State
Football
UCA players landing academic district honors for football, studies
Jake Gaster, Trace Beard, Chaylin Peine, Kyle Gasaway, Malachi Henry’s performance on and off field draws recognition
CONWAY, Ark. — Five Central Arkansas Bears were named Tuesday to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Division I Academic All-District team.
Jake Gaster, Trace Beard, Chaylin Peine, Kyle Gasaway and Malachi Henry were honored for the Bears. The CSC Academic All-America program recognizes student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom.
Gaster was a senior placekicker from Frisco, Texas, who was 49 of 50 on point-after attempts and made 9 of 14 field goals for the Bears, scoring a combined 76 points. Beard is a junior punter who averaged 42.9 yards per punt on 42 punts, with a long of 58 yards, one of eight that went at least 50 yards.
Peine is a sophomore offensive lineman from Garnett, Kan., who played in all 12 games this season and helped the Bears’ offense average 31.8 points per game. Gasaway was a senior from Memphis, Tenn., who started for two years as the long and short snapper. He finished the season with four special teams tackles and a fumble recovery.
Henry is a redshirt freshman receiver from Van Buren, Ark., who was UCA’s No. 2 receiver with 40 receptions for 679 yards and five touchdowns.
Football
Bears’ Walker picks up top FCS national defensive award
UCA’s top defensive player will have another honor after winning conference honor joining Montana State QB as top FCS players
CONWAY, Ark. — Central Arkansas senior David Walker was named FCS National Defensive Player of the Year on Thursday by the Division I Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association (FCS ADA).
Walker was joined by Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott, who was the Offensive Player of the Year.
Walker, a 6-foot-2, 260-pound defensive end from Stuttgart, Ark., was the United Athletic Conference (UAC) Defensive Player of the Year, his third consecutive conference player of the year honor. Walker is one of three finalists for the Buck Buchanan Award, given annually to the top defensive player in the FCS subdivision. He was also a finalist in 2022.
Walker led the United Athletic Conference in tackles for loss (23.0) and sacks (10.5), setting the UCA career records in both categories with 31.0 sacks and 60.0 tackles for loss. For the season, Walker had 69 total tackles, forced four fumbles and recovered one and has six pass breakups.
Information from UCA Sports is included in this story.
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