CONWAY, Ark. _ The University of Central Arkansas Bears will close their 15-day spring practice period with their annual Purple-Gray Spring Game on Friday night First Security Field at Estes Stadium.
The game begins at 6 p.m. on the stripes.
“There’s a lot of exciting things going on on campus this weekend,’ said UCA head coach Clint Conque, “with baseball and softball and the spring game. We hope our fans, alumni, our community, our students that are on campus, will come out Friday night and get a glimpse of what we are doing.
“We probably won’t display all of our wares, but enough to get the people excited about UCA football. We hope to leave on the 15th day feeling good about our first 11 (players) and hopefully, the depth we have behind them. And we want to give our fans a taste of what the 2012 Bears will look like.’
Those Bears are coming off a 9-4 season in which they made their first trip to the NCAA FCS Playoffs, reaching the second round before losing on the road at perennial power Montana.
UCA has had two previous spring scrimmages, but Friday’s game will feature Southland/Big 12 officials, who will be conducting their annual clinic for the sixth consecutive year on the UCA campus.
Conque will wear a live microphone during the scrimmage for the fans to hear the communication that occurs during game situations.
“I think it’s interesting for the fans to see what actually happens between the coaches and players during a game,’ said Conque. “We have our own way of communicating and getting things accomplished and we’ve done this the past few years at the Spring Game and I think the fans have enjoyed it.’
Conque said he has been pleased with the first 14 practices this spring.
“I feel like we’ve gotten great effort from our players,’ said Conque, who will be coaching the Bears for the 13th season this fall. “It’s been a productive spring. Every team is different and you have to play to the strength of the young men you have. But our guys have worked hard and gotten better this spring.’
Conque mentioned junior quarterback Wynrick Smothers on offense and linebackers Justin Heard and Seth Allison as spring standouts.
“Wynrick took a giant leap forward as far as confidence in himself and the players around him, building confidence and trust,’ said Conque. “And now moving forward after the spring game, through the summer and into fall camp, he has to not just take a giant leap, but establish himself as a bona-fide Division quarterback. One that shows poise and leadership.’
Heard is the heir apparent to All-Conference middle linebacker Frank Newsome.
“I think Justin Heard is that guy,’ Conque said. “He’s playing sideline to sideline, playing very fast with a lot of confidence. And he’s really stepped up in a leadership role. That’s what you’re looking for our of your middle linebacker. And Seth Allison is going to give us good leadership, vocally and by example.
There will be tailgating Friday night in the parking lot in the northwest corner of Estes Stadium. Admission is free to the game.
