Golden Lions sign 8 athletes in early period for football

Eight athletes signed with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff for football during the early signing period, all hailing from the college ranks.

Six junior college players and two four-year college transfers officially became Golden Lions on Wednesday following head coach Alonzo Hampton’s first full season of recruiting.

Running back O.J. Ross spent the past two seasons at Tennessee Tech, playing in 12 games and rushing for 334 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 5.4 yards per carry and caught nine passes for 139 yards.

UAPB also added two wide receivers with experience at four-year institutions. Mendez Jean-Baptiste began his career at Gardner-Webb but has bounced between schools since, most recently playing at Highland (Kan.) Community College. He was Highland’s second-leading receiver this season, catching 55 passes for 498 yards and a touchdown.

Logan Collier is transferring from Lindsey Wilson College, an NAIA school in Kentucky, where he has been since 2019. In four seasons with the Blue Raiders, he caught 74 passes for 1,073 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was the team’s third-leading receiver this past season.

The other signees all hail from junior colleges and play defense.

Defensive lineman Jason Gwan comes to UAPB after one season at Erie (N.Y.) Community College. As a freshman this season, he finished tied for the team lead in tackles with 54. He also made 16 tackles for loss and seven sacks.

Joining Gwan in the trenches is defensive end Kavion Majors from Dodge City (Kan.) Community College. The Dallas native made 30 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 7 sacks this season as a sophomore.

Lastly, UAPB reinforced its secondary with three signees.

Free safety Aldo Olweny intercepted a pass each of the past 2 seasons at Grossmont College in California. He finished his time there with 83 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss.

Strong safety Ja’Marlin Green spent the past two seasons at Northwest Mississippi Community College. He made 57 tackles over those two years. He also intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble while breaking up 4 passes.

Defensive back Quintin Sterlin hails from Jones College in Mississippi. He intercepted two passes over his two seasons there, returning one for a 31-yard touchdown his freshman season. He finished with 44 tackles, 5 pass breakups and a forced fumble.