UAPB Football Lands Three On Preseason All-SWAC Conference Second-Team
Birmingham, AL.- With less than 40 days away from the season opener, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff football team landed three student-athletes on the SWAC All-Conference team, announced Tuesday by the conference.
Senior offensive lineman Ryan Atkins was named to the second team, along with junior linebacker Rico Dozier and sophomore defensive end Anas Luqman.
This is the third consecutive year UAPB has had an offensive lineman named to the all-conference team since NFL (New Orleans Saints) lineman Mark Evans II.
Atkins, a versatile lineman, who’s fundamental with great footwork, played in all five offensive lineman positions last season, including tight end. Atkins played in all 11 games and started in seven, finishing with a 74% grade percentage.
Atkins gave up two sacks in 596 snaps with 13 knockdowns and 10 pancakes. Atkin’s playing ability led him to be invited to the 2022 Pigskin Bowl and HBCU Legacy Bowl last season.
He was also named to the Hooten’s Football 2023 Top Offensive Lineman in Arkansas. Atkins played a significant role in UAPB/ SWAC 2022 leading rusher running back (Kayvon Britten) 2022 performance – rank (17th FCS /2nd SWAC), averaging 5.0 yards per carry (5th FCS/1st SWAC) in rushing touchdowns with 16.
Rico Dozier is an intelligent, instinctual, fast, and versatile linebacker with a high football IQ. Dozier led finished the season second in the conference in tackles per game in conference play with 7.3 in the SWAC, led the team in tackles, ranked sixth in (SWAC) in total tackles with 86, finished top-20 in SWAC play with four sacks, and top-20 in tackles for loss (1.4). Dozier was also named to the Phil Steel Defensive Third Team at the linebacker position. Dozier had three games where he led the Golden Lions in double-digits in tackles. Dozier had a season-high 17 tackles and two sacks in his hometown Alabama in the Turkey Day Classic against Alabama St.
Clark, known as a run-stopper on the defensive front, started in nine games and played 11 games for the Golden Lions. He finished the season with 46 tackles, six TFLs, two sacks, and one QB hurries. Clark finished the season ranked in the top-15 in the SWAC Conference in sacks (5). Clark had a season-high eight tackles last season against Alcorn St. and 1.5 sacks against Lane College.
The Golden Lions will kickoff the season on the road against Tulsa, Thursday night, August 31 at 7 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN+.
