Golden Lion QB pick unclear at end of season

For most of the 2024 football season, there was no question who the starting quarterback was at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

But after DJ Stevenson got playing time in each of the final two games, including the fourth quarter of Saturday’s 31-23 loss to Texas Southern, the picture is a little less clear entering the offseason.

UAPB (3-9, 2-6 SWAC) coach Alonzo Hampton said the Golden Lions must evaluate every part of the program, including every position.

“No position’s safe,” Hampton said. “You want a team to have guys that can push each other. Obviously, Mekhi (Hagens) was playing well early in the year, therefore, we wanted to save DJ. He played four games, so he still got his redshirt. This guy here can play football, man, so I was happy for him to get in there.”

Hagens, a redshirt junior, spent most of the season among the SWAC’s leading receivers. He averaged 211.8 passing yards per game, second only to Daniel Richardson at Florida A&M. He finished the season with 2,541 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. He completed 53.35 percent of his passes.

On Saturday, though, he didn’t have his best performance. Texas Southern (5-6, 4-4) held him to 9 of 18 for 94 yards and an interception.

Stevenson came off the bench and completed 4 of 7 passes for 68 yards, a touchdown and an interception, though his interception was caused by an open receiver dropping the ball.

He said his grandmother texts him every game to remind him to always be ready in case he gets called upon.

“I’ve had QB competitions before,” the junior college transfer said. “This isn’t my first time coming off the bench with the guy who’s better than me or neck-and-neck and he’s just hot. So, I’m used to just being ready, and you always gotta be ready to go. When your name’s called, you gotta show why you should possibly be that starter.”

In his limited playing time this season, Stevenson completed 9 of 17 passes for 93 yards. He completed 3 of 4 against Southern in the second-to-last game of the year.

Hampton named Hagens UAPB’s starter the week before the season opener at Arkansas. He started every game this season.

Stevenson played briefly against Arkansas Baptist once that game was well in hand, as did the other reserve quarterbacks. He got one series against Mississippi Valley State before finishing the final two games.

The Golden Lions had two other quarterbacks on the roster this season, Bethune-Cookman transfer Tysan Robbins and true freshman Landon Holcomb.

Stevenson said the quarterback room has been full of love all year.

“Mekhi literally is my guy,” Stevenson said. “Me and him, from jokes, hanging out all the time, I mean, he’s my guy. It does suck for me to go in there when he’s not doing good, because I also want to see him do good, but it’s just a part of the game. I also got to eat, too.”

Osholake talks pick six

UAPB defensive tackle Abdulbasit Osholake scored a highlight reel play in the final minute of the first half against Texas Southern.

Osholake said after a Southern defensive lineman scored a touchdown against UAPB the week prior, it felt like a bit of redemption for the Golden Lions.

“I seen the QB throw the ball, and I see it in the air,” Osholake said. “First thing I think, get the ball. I get the ball, and I just start running. I’m going, I’m going. Touchdown. I’m looking back, don’t get me, don’t get me.”

Texas Southern led 7-0 with under a minute remaining before halftime and was threatening to score again after picking up a first down at the UAPB 20-yard line.

TSU quarterback Jace Wilson dropped back to pass. UAPB linebacker Mike Riley pressured him, and defensive end Khalil Arnold hit him as he threw the ball. The ball popped up in the air and fell into Osholake’s hands.

The 292-pound defensive lineman thundered 75 yards down the field, reaching the end zone moments before the Tigers’ defense could catch him.

Osholake said it was his first touchdown, and he needed a breather afterward.

“It felt amazing,” Osholake said. “First, I’m like, ‘Thank you, Lord.’ It felt amazing, because I always prayed. Lord, he answered my prayers.”