UAPB Football: Golden Lions Wraps Up First Week of Spring Practice
PINE BLUFF, AR. – The 2024 Golden Lions football team has completed its first week of spring football practice, with three sessions on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday at Simmons Bank Field.
The team has welcomed three new coaches to its coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Tony Hull, wide receiver coach Lawann Latson, and special team/tight ends coach Chris Forstier. These new additions will aim to spread the ball and run a fast-tempo offense.
Despite the intense first three days of practice, UAPB head football coach Alonzo Hampton has been impressed with the player’s response to the new coaches’ strategies on the offensive side of the ball. Hampton referred to the team’s fast-paced style of play as “organized chaos,” and the players are working hard to understand and execute at the new tempo, and they are adjusting well, said Hampton.” “On the defensive side of the ball, we have several players returning back from last season are flying around displaying alot of energy on the field, and showing promise for the upcoming season.”
“Speaking of defense, there’s a player who really stood out this week named Cameron Rotherford,” Hampton said. “The kid is a hard worker and his motor doesn’t stop. He really wants it bad and he’s always the first one in and the last one to leave. Sometimes, you have to tell him to slow down. But when you see him out there on the field, you’ll notice him immediately.”
Coach Hull will be making his debut this season with the Golden Lions after working with Hampton at Louisiana—Monroe with the Rich Rodriguez staff.
“I’m glad to have him a part of our staff, he’s gone bring tempo and push the ball down the field, and his offense makes the defense play simple, because it’s too many moving parts in the offensive playbook,” said Hampton.” “He’s a guy who’s been in the system with the “air raid” offense at Hawaii and worked with several coaches who knew how to spread the ball and make you play fast.
The Golden Lions will be back in action for week two of spring practice, Tuesday, April 2 for their first full pads session.
UAPB opens the 2024 season in Little Rock against Arkansas Razorbacks on, Saturday Aug. 31 at War Memorial Stadium.
