Central Arkansas lost virtually all of its top running backs from a year ago, but coaches are pleased with the group that they've assembled so far this year.
UCA held its second scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday at Estes Stadium in Conway, and a running back group that includes only two backs who had at least 20 carries last season caught Coach Steve Campbell's eye.
Campbell mentioned seniors Kelton Warren, who had 29 carries for 175 yards last season, and Antwon Wells who carried just once, as backs he liked Saturday, as well as junior Darrien Daniels and freshmen Kierre Crossley and Carlos Blackmon.
"Those older guys are doing a good job of bringing those guys along," Campbell said. "That's a very unselfish group, and it's a group where the older ones are really helping coach the younger ones, pushing them and teaching them."
UCA's second scrimmage also drew praise from Campbell for its defensive line and play from its defensive backs.
The secondary is anchored by cornerback Tremon Smith, who had five interceptions last season and has been named a preseason second-team All-American. But the Bears also have seniors Tyler Williams and senior Trai Mosley, who transferred this spring from Nebraska.
"I thought the corners played well down the field," Campbell said. "We threw a handful of deep balls on them and they went up and were able to rip the ball out of there. We would like offensively to be able to go up and make that play, but defensively, that's encouraging that they are in position and they're getting their hands up ripping that ball out."
Sports on 08/14/2016