CONWAY, Ark. _ University of Central Arkansas football has signed another big Florida wide receiver to an NCAA Letter of Intent.
    
    Marcus Lodge, a 6-foot-4, 185-pounder from American Heritage High School in Plantation, Fla., has signed with the Bears.

    "Marcus comes to us from one of the top high school football programs in the state of Florida,' said UCA head coach Nathan Brown. "He was one of the top wide receivers for the 5A state champions in that state. They finished in the Top 25 nationally as well. 

    "Coach (Reggie) Howard did a great job finding Marcus through some of his prior connections with Miami area coaches. It took us one look at his film to be all in.'

    Brown said Lodge will give the Bears another big target at the receiver position.

    "Marcus is a long wide receiver that can make plays down the field on 50/50 balls thrown to him,' said Brown. "He is extremely nimble for a 6-4 kid and has about as much up side as any receiver we have signed here in recent history. I couldn't be more pleased with the effort Coach (Ryan) Howard did with this young man once he was brought to our attention by Coach (Reggie) Howard. He put a lot of time and effort and took the lead on recruiting him.

    "This was a big signee for us. We needed to add some length at the wise receiver position in this class and Marcus definitely does that for us. There were some prior factors to him not signing on signing day or we would of had it done then. We are excited the timing worked out and believe we got a potential No. 1 type wide receiver at some point in Marcus Lodge.'

    The Bears, coming off two consecutive FCS Playoff appearances, will host their annual Purple-Gray Spring Game at 2 p.m. Saturday on "The Stripes."