Campbell: Health, maturity keys for UCA

BOB WISENER

It took a good team to beat Central Arkansas last season, especially in the Southland Conference.

The Bears went 7-2 in league action but could not find the winning edge against conference rivals McNeese State (28-13) and Sam Houston State (42-13) on “The Stripes” of Estes Stadium in Conway.

Defending champion Sam Houston and McNeese rank one-two in separate preseason polls of Southland head coaches and sports information directors. UCA is picked third in the league going into Thursday night’s opener at Conway against be the same player last year.”

So far so good, Campbell said after an August scrimmage at Estes Stadium. The coach commended senior running backs Kelton Warren and Antwon Wells and junior Darrien Daniels for providing leadership and said freshman Kierre Crossley and Carlos Blackman had good days.

“Those older guys are doing a good job of bringing those younger guys along,” Campbell said. “That’s a very unselfish group, and (one) where the older ones are really helping coach the younger ones, and pushing them and teaching them. They have taken those guys under their wing and that group has gotten better.”

Campbell singled out senior wide receiver Jacquez McMillian along with the defensive backfield.

“I thought the corners played well down the field,” Campbell said. “We threw a handful of deep balls on them and they went up and were able to rip the ball out of there. We would like offensively to be able to go up and make that play, but defensively, that’s encouraging that they are in position and they’re getting their hands up and ripping that ball out.”

Seniors Jordan Toliver and Terrence Partee on the defensive line caught Campbell’s eye along with others. “We have some guys that can rush off the edge,” he said.

Classes began Aug. 18, two weeks before the season opener, meaning more adjustments for the Bears.

“You’re never where you want to be, and that’s a good thing,” Campbell said. “(That) will keep us fighting, scratching, clawing to Week 1. Because we’re not there yet. … I’m very pleased with a lot of things. But then there are some things that you know you got to get a lot better at. And I’m glad we still have the time to do it. We need every day.” they were