There were more than a few challenges for the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions in camp this year.
It was enough of a challenge to incorporate the four new coaches -- including a new offensive coordinator -- that Coach Monte Coleman brought aboard for his ninth season. But, the Golden Lions also got to deal with a 10-day span in August where it rained nearly every day, followed by the past week where heat indexes regularly topped 100 degrees.
Through it all, Coleman has been pleased with the attitude of his team.
"[The thing I'm most impressed with is] their ability to fight through adversity," Coleman said. "We had some hot training camp days, where there were heat indexes of over 110. Then, we had days where the rain forced us indoors. Their ability to stay focused is better than it was last year."
It was a theme Coleman harped on after a season in which the Golden Lions went 2-9 overall and 1-8 in Southwestern Athletic Conference play.
"The guys are working hard," Coleman said. "Last year was kind of a strange year. Guys this year have a whole different attitude. It leaves me very optimistic that we have the right guys on the team this year. The guys have bought in. It's a no-nonsense system."
The UAPB coaching staff added offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Ted White, wide receivers coach Mark Fredericks, linebackers coach Damion Frenchie and defensive line coach Carrillo Santos. Coleman thinks the new faces and styles have improved practices.
"Had a lot of new coaches come in during the spring," Coleman said. "They came in and gave us a lot of energy. Kids have bought into the new offensive style. Changed up the defense a little, but we're progressing."
QB still up for grabs
Coach Monte Coleman said the battle for quarterback is still going on for the Golden Lions' season-opener at Tennessee State.
"Between Brandon Duncan, Nolen Sorensen and LaEarl Patterson, we've got a pretty good three-horse race," Coleman said. "[Offensive coordinator] Ted White is known for his development of young quarterbacks. Brandon Duncan is definitely in our plans. But, so are Nolen and LaEarl. We're going to play to our strengths."
White, who came to Pine Bluff after three seasons in the same job at Howard University in Washington, D.C., brings a different look for the Golden Lions.
Coleman hopes White's offense will breathe life into a team that ranked ninth out of 10 teams in the SWAC in scoring at 19.5 points per game and eighth in total offense at 317 yards per game.
"The offense that Ted has is both a Pro-style and a Spread," Coleman said. "Brandon Duncan is more of a Spread quarterback. But, we will have some tight ends. We've got fullbacks on roster as well. I think we're going to have a lot of looks."
Asked whether all the experience on offense had given the team an edge in fall camp, Coleman pointed out there was plenty of experience on defense returning as well -- notably senior linebacker Willie Duncan, who was UAPB's lone first-team preseason All-SWAC selection.
"I'd say it's close -- 50-50," Coleman said before stopping himself. "Well, the offense may be ahead a little ... call it 51-49 on defense."
Clean bill of health
After a season in which the Golden Lions struggled to have enough players on the field -- filling out the roster by dividing just 36 scholarships among the entire team -- keeping all his players out of the trainer's room was a big concern for Coach Monte Coleman.
"Fall camp was a very good camp," he said. "We did a lot of good things. But, I've got to be honest with you, our No. 1 priority was to come out healthy. Right now, we are."
Coleman said that one of the bright sides to last season's struggles is that the Golden Lions have plenty of experience, if not tenure.
"We're a very young football team," Coleman said. "We don't have a lot of veterans, but we do have guys who got valuable playing time last year."
Sports on 09/02/2016