CONWAY, Ark. _ The University of Central Arkansas Bears will close out spring practice with the annual Purple-Gray Spring Game at 1 p.m. Saturday on "The Stripes" at First Security Field at Estes Stadium.

The game will put a bow on 15 practices that began on March 7.

"We have a hungry group this spring," said head coach Nathan Brown. "We have a great mixture of returners and mid-year new guys that are coming together and competing everyday. I have been pleased with our talent level. We have been installing a new offense and defense and I believe our players have responded quickly to this and believe in what we are doing."

One of the spots that was missing a returning starter was quarterback with the graduation of Will McElvain, who started the last three seasons at UCA.

"We have had great competition at quarterback," said Brown. "I love the group we have and they compete everyday with one another. I also see a good battle going on for playing time behind sophomore Landon Chambers at running back. We have also seen some good competition at the wide receiver spots and at linebacker this spring. Healthy competition breeds success in my opinion and we have it going on across the board here this spring."

Brown, who will be entering his eighth season as UCA's head coach this fall, said he is excited to showcase this year's squad on Saturday.

"I hope we play clean football on Saturday," he said. "We will be very vanilla in our schematic approach but I want to protect the football on offense and see how good we can move the chains. First downs on offense equal winning football. On defense let's try to create some turnovers. I also want to limit big plays on defense Saturday."

The Bears have had quite a lot of moving parts, with both players and coaches, since the end of the 2024 season. But Brown said it made for an exciting spring practice season.

"We have a great group of coaches and that have put a lot of time and energy into this spring," said Brown, who will take over the offensive coordinator duties for the upcoming season. "A lot of turnover happened with the staff and our roster. That seems to be the norm in the environment we are in now. 

"I have been very pleased with our group and look forward to introducing the Bear fans to these coaches and players this Saturday on "The Stripes."