27 Aug 2011 UCA: Expectations ‘always high’

With its new, colorful turf at Estes Stadium in mind, the University of Central Arkansas Bears have adopted “fear the stripes” as their motto for 2011.

Clint Conque’s team finished 7-4 overall (4-3 in the Southland Conference) in what was considered a rebuilding year in 2010. But with 36 upperclassmen, the Bears figure that 2011 will be even better.

“The expectations are high, but they’re always high at this university,” coach Clint Conque said.

Nineteen starters, including nine on offense and seven on defense, are among the 48 returning lettermen.

Four seniors, led by left tackle Matt Dickerson (6-5, 292), will anchor the offensive line. Dickerson was a second-team all-conference pick a year ago. Logan Roubique (6-2, 281) gets the nod at center, with returners Joe Lehocky (6-4, 286) and Brad Jakel (6-3, 288) returning at guard and tackle, respectively, on the right side.

Returning in the backfield are the quarterback and all four running backs. Senior Nathan Dick (6-4, 222) was a second-team all-conference pick at QB after throwing for 12 touchdowns and nearly 2,600 yards. Juniors Terence Bobo (6-0, 210), Jackie Hinton (5-10, 203) and Anthony Blackmon (5-10, 204) figure to get the majority of carries. Bobo was second-team All-SLC as the Bears’ leading rusher with 11 touchdowns and 436 yards on 105 carries. Hinton followed with 349 yards and four TDs.

Eight of the top 10 receivers from 2010 are back, led by junior Dominique Croom, who caught 42 passes for 446 yards and two TDs. Senior Isaiah Jackson returns after earning 405 yards receiving as a junior. Others in the receiving corps include seniors T.J. Adams, Joe Harris and Derek Steele and Owens. Tight end is one of the question marks, with senior Brennan Rushing (6-2, 237), junior Marshall Loyd (6-3, 272), redshirt freshman Thomas Hart and Chase Dixon expected to battle for the spot.

The defensive line will look to senior ends Trey Lippe (6-3, 248) and Jermayne Lett (6-2, 249) and junior Larry Duvall (6-3, 274) at tackle. Frank Newsome (6-2, 232), who led the tackle chart last year with 100 en route to an all-conference season, will lead the linebackers, with junior Seth Allison (5-11, 198) at another LB spot and a battle for the other one between senior Jessie Sims (6-0, 232) and sophomore Justin Heard (6-2, 217).

Only one senior is among the top eight in the secondary, but SLC Co-Freshman of the Year Jestin Love returns at safety after a team-leading six interceptions, including two returned for scores, and 39 tackles. The young secondary is fast and talented.

Kevin Buford, a junior transfer from Northwest Mississippi Community College, led the depth chart at kicker and punter after spring drills. Jackson is back as the primary kick returner after averaging 22.5 yards per return last year. He leads the school’s career returns and return yards categories with 67 and 1,581, respectively.

Jesse Grandy, a transfer from Ole Miss, could help with kick and punt returns. Adams, Owens and Love are also in the mix. Sophomore Kirby O’Meara or newcomer Parker Carpenter should handle the deep snaps.

“We have some quality experience returning from last year,” Conque said. “That makes a huge difference. We have good leadership and good work ethic among this group of juniors and seniors.”

A different look

Estes Stadium at the University of Central Arkansas Bears will be sporting a different look this season with purple and gray artificial turf.
UCA began in mid-April to replace its natural grass football field with a GeoGreen replicated grass surface from GeoSurfaces.
The surface of First Security Field at Estes Stadium does not contain even a trace of green. Instead the school opted for a unique design incorporating the Central Arkansas school colors of purple and gray, with black and white accents.