The University of Central Arkansas Bears had positives on both sides of the ball on Monday in Day 3 of fall practice, according to head coach Clint Conque.

"I thought (sophomore) Jestin Love had a great day on defense,' said Conque, "as well as (senior) Jerrel McKnight. We have some talent in our secondary, even though we are missing a few guys back there right now.'

Love, a 6-0, 204-pound safety, is the reigning Southland Conference Freshman of the Year who led the Bears with six interceptions, two returned for touchdowns, a year ago. McKnight had 30 tackles as a junior.

Conque also liked what he saw up front on offense as the Bears donned shoulder pads for the first time Monday.

"The offensive line did a good job on blitz defense,' he said. "They won the inside drill today.'

The 12th-year head coach also singled out senior wide receiver Joe Harris for having "a good day.'

UCA returns to the field at 3:45 Tuesday before hosting Media Day activities at 2 p.m. Wednesday on the game field. An open house for the new purple and gray artificial turf will be held at 6:30 Wednesday, with free food and free "Fear the Stripes" T-shirts for the first 300 fans.