Pine Bluff, Ark. — The atmosphere was electric Tuesday at Simmons Bank Field as the Golden Lions kicked off spring practice. UAPB completed its first of 15 practices and includes three scrimmages and the annual spring game. With the new season, comes new personnel and the coaching staff. On the field, Pine Bluff native, Virginia Tech transfer Henri Murphy has moved to the defensive side of the ball.
On the coaching staff coach Thomas, welcomes new Strength Coach Rashad Harris, Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach, Jonathan Bradley, and Offensive Line Coach Jason Onyebuagu.
“I feel there was a little sense of urgency to get on the field, but that comes from everyone just being excited to finally get things started,” Coach Thomas stated during Tuesday practice.
“On the offensive side, I believe those guys are ready to play a football game right now, you talking about a team with 10 starters coming back. The offensive linemen have a year under their belts, the running backs are loaded with All-Conference running backs Keshawn Williams and Taeyler Porter returning along with freshmen Detavion Turner and Omar Allen Jr. In the wide receiver position, we are looking for big things with FCS All-American Dejuan Miller, Josh Wilkes, Kolby McNeal, Tyrin Ralph, and Missouri transfer Harry Ballard III,” Coach Thomas stated.
The Golden Lions will hold practice at Simmons Bank Field under head coach Cedric Thomas, who enters his 2nd season as the Golden Lions’ head coach next fall.
This past Fall, UAPB posted a 2-9 overall record with a young team that was hampered by the injury bug.
The practice schedule has the team taking the field on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for five straight weeks. The Golden Lions will have three Saturday scrimmages before concluding the spring drills on April 13 with the Alumni Flag Football and the Spring Game.
The Golden Lions are set to open the 2019 season in Fort Worth, Texas against TCU, follow by a road trip to Alabama A&M, before coming home to play five straight games.
Season tickets for the 2019 schedule that includes home games against nonconference foes Langston and Lane College and SWAC Football opponents Southern U., Mississippi Valley, Grambling St., and Texas Southern.
SPRING PRACTICE SCHEDULE
Tuesday, March 5: Practice #1, 3:30 — 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 7: Practice #2, 3:30 — 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 9: Practice #3, 11 a.m.
Tuesday, March 12: Practice #4, 3:30 — 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 14: SCRIMMAGE #5, 3:30 — 5:30 p.m.
Friday, March 15: Practice #6, 6 a.m.
Tuesday, March 26: Practice #7, 3:30 — 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 28: Practice #8, 3:30 — 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 30: #9 SCRIMMAGE, 11 a.m.
Tuesday, April 2: Practice #10, 3:30 — 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 4: Practice #11, 3:30 — 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 6: #12 SCRIMMAGE, 11 a.m.
Tuesday, April 9: #13 Practice #10, 3:30 — 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 11: #14 Practice #11, 3:30 — 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 13: ALUMNI FLAG FOOTBALL & SPRING GAME 2:30/4:30 p.m.
All practices and scrimmages are in Simmons Bank Field
** Practices and scrimmages times are subject to change**
Courtesy: UAPB Athletics
