Spring football practice concludes Saturday for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff with the Black and Gold Game, which Coach Alonzo Hampton called the team’s “final test.”
“What have you been able to comprehend, and can you put the answers on the board?” Hampton said. “So, that’s what we want to see. Can they put the answers on the field when the defense is moving from here to there? So, that’s what I’m excited about.”
The spring game starts at 2 p.m. Saturday at Simmons Bank Field. It will be the 15th and final spring practice for UAPB. The Golden Lions began spring practice March 27 and have held three practices each week since, including two scrimmages.
Saturday’s festivities will begin with a free youth football camp from 9-10 a.m. for ages 6-12. UAPB is also arranging for food trucks to be on site as Hampton said the Golden Lions seek to create a fan fest-like atmosphere at the end of Founders’ Week.
Hampton said he is hoping for a great crowd, because community support is vital for the program.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“Everybody keeps saying, ‘Well, Coach, if y’all win games,'” Hampton said. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be about what we’re doing. Let’s come out and support the young men. If we eventually do what we’re supposed to do, we’re going to win football games — but that’s a mentality that you don’t really want. You want people to come out and support, not just for homecoming, but like a situation like this. It’s a Saturday, hope it’s beautiful weather. Let’s get out here.”
The game will be the fans’ first chance to see the Golden Lions’ offense play since Tony Hull was hired as offensive coordinator. The defense is entering its second season under Hampton and defensive coordinator David Calloway.
Returning quarterback Mekhi Hagens and junior college transfer DJ Stevenson are competing for the starting role. Throughout spring practice, Hampton has said players such as wide receivers Daemon Dawkins and Javonnie Gibson and offensive lineman Jamarkius Garrett have impressed him on offense.
On defense, Hampton has noted players such as defensive linemen Anas Luqman and AJ Johnson along with defensive backs Antwon Jackson, Tavon Hardwick and Kyle Knox.
Hampton cautions, though, that the team which takes the field in UAPB’s season opener Aug. 29 against Arkansas will probably be different than the one fans will see Saturday. The spring transfer window ends April 30, three days after the spring game, meaning some players may transfer out after the game. UAPB is also looking for players to bring in from the portal. Additionally, none of the high school signees from the 2024 recruiting class are part of spring practice.
“Obviously, the team will look totally different, and when I say that, that’s everywhere in the country,” Hampton said. “Going to have people to get in the portal that you don’t think get in the portal, but at the end of the day, you always have an opportunity to go out and get somebody better if a player leaves. We got some players that are good football players, and some of them, if they go, we gotta be able to replace them with a better football player.”