30 Aug 2023 UCA linebackers flying under the radar

CONWAY — The University of Central Arkansas linebacking corps may not get the recognition of other position groups heading into the 2023 season, but Bears’ head coach Nathan Brown said that is not because of lack of talent in that room. 

The Bears return four players with starting experience, including last year’s No. 2 tackler in Demetrias Charles. A 6-foot, 210-pounder from Texarkana (Ark.) High School, Charles finished the season with 87 total tackles, including 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, along with one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.

“It starts with Demetrias Charles,” said Brown. “He was our second-leading tackler behind TaMuarion Wilson. He’s a solid kid that’s done it the right way since he got here. Came in as a non-scholarship player, earned his scholarship and now he’s turned himself into a preseason All-Conference player as a sophomore. Excited about Demetrias and him taking another step this year.”

Charles had a season and career-high 12 tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery in a victory over Austin Peay, and another 12 stops and a sack in the season finale against Jacksonville State. Beginning with the second game of the season, he had at least five tackles in every game.

Easily the most experienced player in the linebacker room is graduate Darin Davenport, a 6-2, 225-pounder from Fort Smith (Ark.) Southside High School. He has nearly 150 career tackles, including 14.5 tackles for loss and five sacks, along with four forced fumbles.

“Darin Davenport is back for his fifth year, and he’s a guy that has played a ton of football for us,” said Brown. “And when Darin’s healthy and stays healthy, he’s a really, really good player for us. He’s had some injuries that have kind of lingered with him, but he feels good, he looks good out there, and that’s exciting.”  Brown also singled out another Arkansan, junior Kendarrius Moore of West Memphis (Ark.) High School as a possible breakout star. Moore had 17 tackles a year ago.

“Maybe the most talented kid in there is Kendarrius Moore,” said his head coach. “Two years ago we opened at Arkansas State, which would have been his redshirt freshman year, he was our starting Will linebacker before he tore his ACL the first drive of the game. Then he had to work his way back last year. I think Kendarrius is poised to have a huge year. “

Another to watch is sophomore Jake Golday, who will play a sort of hybrid linebacker/defensive end role in his second season of action. Last year, Golday finished with 37 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. 

“We bumped Jake Golday up to the second level to play linebacker some on early downs,” said Brown, “and I think it fits him perfectly. “That will be an added athletic element at that level. (Sophomore) Jace Beneschplayed a lot for us last year and he needs to take a step forward. He played a ton of special teams as a true freshman and he’s going to be asked to have a bigger role this year.”

Deorius (Buck) Cobbs, a 6-3, 235-pound redshirt freshman from Jacksonville (Ark.) High School is another returnee who will be counted on for some big minutes.

“Buck is as talented as any of them in that room,” said Brown. “He needs to continue to step up and play a big role this season. And (redshirt freshman) Duncan Parham is a guy we had at bandit and moved him back as well like Golday. I think he has a chance to blossom at that position.”

The Bears picked up a solid edition from the transfer portal in Michael Onwuzurike from East Central University and Allen (Texas) High School. He had 47 tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks for the Tigers.

“We were fortunate to be able to bring in a transfer like Michael Onwuzurike, who was an All-Conference GAC (Great American Conference) player at East Central,” said Brown. “He has a ton of experience, and he is a football player. When we scrimmaged in the spring, he was around the ball just about every play. 

“I’m excited to have him out there and see what he brings to the table.”