Football
UCA opens fall camp as quarterback competition takes center stage
Myers says competition drives improvement as Bears open with a spirited three-hour practice under the morning sun
CONWAY, Ark. — Central Arkansas began fall camp Wednesday, completing a three-hour morning practice as the Bears prepare for their season opener in 20 days.
Bearsoach Nathan Brown said he was pleased with the team’s effort and energy.
“We attacked at a high rate of speed, effort was good, a lot of retention from spring and summer,” Brown said. “That’s what you’re looking for as a coach, not having to coach a lot of x’s and o’s, details.
“I’m very pleased with the way we attacked, it’s hot out here. I don’t care if you start at 8 in the morning or 3 in the afternoon, it’s July, it’s going to be warm.”
UCA Bears coach Nathan Brown at opening practice of fall camp. | Ted McClenning-AllBears+ Images
The Bears will continue camp for three weeks, including two team scrimmages. The first full scrimmage is scheduled for Aug. 9.
UCA enters the season with a quarterback competition following the departure of last year’s starter Will McElvain. Incumbent backup Austin Myers took first-team reps Wednesday, while Middle Tennessee transfer Luther Richesson worked with the second team.
“Honestly, Austin, Luther, those are kind of the three right now,” Brown said. “Redshirt freshman, he’s going to be a good player here, but I didn’t think we made great decisions today.
UCA Bears quarterback Luther Richesson at opening practice of fall camp. | Ted McClenning-AllBears+ Images
“I’ve got high expectations for that room, obviously being in that room fulltime now, calling plays, I’ve got a vested interest in what each day holds. We’ll improve though, we’re just a little green, but every guy in that room has talent.”
Brown is taking over playcalling duties this season after the departure of offensive coordinator Ken Collums.
“I’m feeling the head coaching duties, obviously,” Brown said. “But a little more intense with the day to day operations, practice scripts, everything’s going through my lips, my lens now. That’s not to pat myself on the back, we’ve got a great offensive coaching staff that have bought into our scheme.
“But yeah, definitely more intense for me, and that’s great, it feels good to do it. We’ve had a lot of success here, I’ve run the offense before, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity with these guys.”
Myers said the competition is helping the team improve.
“It’s different (without McElvain), but we’ve got a really good quarterback room, a lot of guys competing for that job, and that breeds success when you’ve got guys behind you that are pushing you to get better,” he said. “I’ve never felt better throwing the ball, this summer was great.
“Competition breeds success, I don’t want guys behind me that just give me the job, I want them to push me to be better every day. If you have that at every position, you’re going to have a successful football team.”
Myers said having Brown call plays brings encouragement.
“When you get to hear from the head guy directly, that’s different,” he said. “He’s in every meeting we have, and he played here, he was a great quarterback at UCA, so for him to come full circle to calling plays again, it gives us a lot of encouragement.
“To see how the offense has worked in the past when he was offensive coordinator, the success they’ve had, that’s really awesome, we can do something special.”
UCA opens the season at Missouri on Aug. 28.
