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 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.
Football
Bears football opens 2025 camp with new staff, optimism
UCA starting fall practices with both seasoned leaders and new faces, as the Bears look to refine their approach for 2025
CONWAY, Ark. – Coach Nathan Brown prepares to open his eighth season at the helm of Central Arkansas, and starts fall camp on Wednesday with the first of 19 practices before the season opener later in August.
After five players were named to the Preseason All-UAC Team, the Bears are finally ready to put rubber to the road as the squad preps for the 2025 season. Behind two well-awarded senior offensive linemen, Will Diggins and Jamal Mull, the Bears open camp with a host of new faces in key positions.
UCA will also look for increased production from freshman All-American wideout Malachi Henry, and more backfield touches for sophomore running back Landen Chambers.
Defensively, the Bears return a good number of defensive backs, including Preseason All-UAC selection Dillon Williams. Also back on defense are linebacker Buck Cobbs and lineman Bradley Clark, who combined for 14.0 tackles for loss last season.
The Bears take their first official snaps of fall camp on Wednesday, practicing from 9-11 a.m. each day through the end of the week, with practice on Sunday set for 3:30 p.m.
The cycle repeats until August 19, with Monday through Saturday practices from 9-11 a.m., and Sunday practices from 3:30-5:30 p.m.
UCA will have two scrimmages, one on Saturday, August 9, and the second on August 16.
Information from UCA Sports is included in this story.
TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were counting on rookie outside linebacker David Walker from Central Arkansas to inject new energy into their defense this fall.
Instead, Walker will spend his first NFL season on the sidelines after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament during a non-contact drill in last Friday’s training camp practice, a blow across the team’s facility and left coaches and teammates scrambling to fill a sudden void.
Walker, a fourth-round draft pick out of UCA, had quickly impressed coaches with his speed and tenacity. Just weeks into his first pro camp, he’d found himself working with the second-team defense and drawing praise from veterans for his work ethic.
That momentum came to a halt when Walker went down late in practice, grabbing his right knee. He was able to limp off with assistance, but the concern was immediate and, by Monday, confirmed.
Walker will undergo surgery and miss the entire 2025 season, coach Todd Bowles told reporters on Monday.
“It’s tough, especially for a young guy who was showing so much promise,” Bowles said. “David had earned a lot of respect in a short time. We’ll support him all the way through his recovery and look forward to getting him back next year.”
The timing couldn’t be worse for the Buccaneers, whose defense is in transition after several offseason departures. Walker was one of a handful of rookies expected to compete for snaps in a linebacking corps looking to get younger and faster.
His absence forces the Buccaneers to dig deeper into their depth chart, a storyline that’s become all too familiar for NFL teams as preseason injury lists grow longer each year .
Across the league, ACL injuries remain a persistent problem. Through the first week of camps in 2025, at least six rookies or second-year players have already been sidelined with torn ligaments.
For Walker, the setback comes just as his NFL journey was gaining steam.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said Buccaneers defensive captain Lavonte David. “He was soaking up every bit of knowledge, always asking questions. You hate to see a young guy lose a year like that.”
Walker’s story had drawn attention even before his injury. Lightly recruited out of high school, he became one of UCA’s most productive defenders.
His faith and work ethic were the stuff of preseason features.
“I’m big on my faith,” Walker told local reporters last month. “I’ve overcome a lot to get here. Every day in this league is a blessing.”
Walker’s injury occurred on a running play late in practice, according to team insiders. He stayed on the ground for several minutes before being helped to his feet.
“You could tell right away it was serious,” said fellow rookie Sterling Shepard, who was among the first to reach Walker on the field. “He just kept saying, ‘I’ll be back. I’ll be back.’ That’s who he is.”
The Buccaneers placed Walker on injured reserve Monday, officially sidelining him for the season but preserving a spot on the roster for his return in 2026.
While the team has weathered major injuries before, the ripple effects of losing a promising rookie are especially acute.
“Depth is everything,” Bowles said. “Football is a game of attrition, but you never get used to this part.”
Walker’s injury also reignites debate about the demands of NFL training camps. Team medical staff have increased emphasis on injury prevention, but the physical nature of the sport and the drive among rookies to make an impression means risk is never far away.
“There’s only so much you can do,” said Dr. James Andrews, renowned orthopedic surgeon. “The ACL is vulnerable, particularly for athletes changing direction at high speed. Sometimes it’s just bad luck.”
For now, the Buccaneers must turn to other young prospects and veterans to fill Walker’s spot in the rotation. The team had already added depth at linebacker in free agency, but Walker’s versatility and special teams potential made him a unique fit.
“We’ll have to adapt,” said defensive coordinator Kacy Rodgers. “You can’t replace a guy like that overnight, but the next man up has to be ready.”
Walker, meanwhile, begins the long road to recovery. He’s expected to undergo surgery this week and begin a rehab process that could last nine to 12 months.
“I’ve been through adversity before,” he wrote on his Instagram page Monday night. “This is just another chapter. I’ll be back stronger, and I’ll be cheering on my brothers every step of the way.”
The outpouring of support from teammates and fans has been immediate.
“He’s got all of Tampa behind him,” said Bowles. “You don’t stop rooting for someone just because they can’t play. He’s a part of this team, and he always will be.”
Now the Buccaneers move forward, but their rookie linebacker’s absence will be felt long after the season opener. “Football teaches you to get back up,” said Lavonte David. “We’re all pulling for him to do just that.”
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