UCA finding Love on big plays

— In the month of October, Jestin Love has assumed the role of Central Arkansas’ closer.

The sophomore strong safety is responsible for sealing each of the Bears’ past three victories against Nicholls State, McNeese State and Lamar.

Love and junior linebacker Seth Allison stopped Nicholls State receiver Nick Scelfo short of the goal line on fourth down to help UCA win 37-31 on Oct. 8.

Love intercepted McNeese State quarterback Cody Stroud with 17 seconds left in the Bears’ 21-18 victory Oct. 15 at Estes Stadium in Conway.

Last week at Lamar, with the Bears clinging to a 31-24 lead late in the fourth quarter, Love intercepted Jeremy Johnson’s pass and ran it back 31 yards for a touchdown. He then forced a fumble on Lamar’s next possession to cap the Bears’ 38-24 victory.

Love, who had nine tackles against the Cardinals, was named the Southland Conference’s defensive player of the week Monday.

“He’s always around the football,” Coach Clint Conque said. “Guys like he and Seth Allison, they always seem to be around the football. There are two Arkansans that are really making big plays for our football team.

“The kids that have come out of the high school programs in this state arereally playing well for us, and Jestin has been an extension of that.”

Playing a big role late in games is something Love said he relishes.

“We definitely want toclose the game at the end,” said Love, of West Memphis. “It’s a great feeling to close out the game on the defensive side of the ball.”

Love leads the Bears with four interceptions and has 10 for his career entering today’s 6 p.m. game against Southeastern Louisiana (2-5, 0-3 Southland Conference)at Estes Stadium. He is also the team’s second-leading tackler with 51, including 36 unassisted.

“He plays with a little bit of an edge,” Conque said. “Not a swagger, but he has a lot of confidence. On Saturday, he plays hard. He has a lot of ball skills and knows what to do with the football once he getsit in his hands.”

UCA (5-3, 4-1) started 1-3 as it dealt with several injuries, including the loss of senior linebacker Frank Newsome (ankle) for two games. But the Bears are as healthy as they have been all season, which has led to a renewed confidence.

“We’re playing the old UCA defense, the golden standard that we’ve set,” Love said. “I actually feel like we haven’t played a complete game yet. We’ve come close to playing a complete game, but I don’t think we’ve played a complete game of violent football yet.”

Love, who was born in Alaska and moved to West Memphis when he was 3, redshirted in 2009 and was inserted into the starting lineup last season because of several injuries. He responded by recording six interceptions, which included returning one 98 yards for a touchdownagainst Nicholls State.

“Any time you get out there as a young player, you’re nervous,” said Love, who made four starts last season. “I feel like I got all my jitters out. I definitely know what to expect now, how to prepare.”

Conque said Love was “more of a box player” in high school, but since coming to UCA he’s developed better coverage skills and has become one of the Bears’ most physical defenders.

“He’ll tell you he has things to work on, but we’re really pleased with his development up to this point,” Conque said. “The great part is he still has more than two years left to make plays for our football program and develop his skill set.”

Central Arkansas vs. SE Louisiana

WHEN 6 p.m. today WHERE Estes Stadium, Conway RECORDS Central Arkansas 5-3, 4-1 Southland Conference; Southeastern Louisiana 2-5, 0-3 COACHES Central Arkansas: Clint Conque (85-50 in 12 seasons); Southeastern Louisiana: Mike Lucas (18-37 in five seasons) SERIES Central Arkansas leads 3-1.

RADIO KHLR-FM, 106.7, in Benton; KUCA-FM, 91.3, in Conway INTERNET ucasports.com

Sports, Pages 26 on 10/29/2011

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