McCollum's Column: Conque trying to keep little things from becoming big things

The standards of the University of Central Arkansas football under Clint Conque haven’t changed. The profile has.

During a strong start to the season, there have been several disciplinary suspensions, ranging from a game or two, a quarter or two, demotion on a depth chart to play on special teams but not anywhere else.

I’d classify them as seasonal showers, not storms.

The offenses can be classified as more of the “hand-slap” variety than serious transgressions. The suspensions and disciplinary actions have been related to situations such as missing a meeting, being late to a meeting or not taking caring of various procedural situations — or a loss of discipline or accountability in both off- and on-the-field aspects.

“In my 10 years here, the profile of our program has grown,” Conque said. “More people see what you are doing and who is doing what and who is not doing what. You have to be more pro-active.”

So, Conque is sending messages throughout his program that players are expected to accept responsibility, be accountable and that discipline will be administered fairly without regard to status.

Most of the recent disciplinary actions have involved starters or regulars.

“We expect everyone to act right, to be on time and to be where they are supposed to be,” Conque said. “We are trying to teach rules. Many of these rules will help these players later in life. If you have a job and don’t show up on time, you get in trouble. There are certain things that we want done and we’re not gonna compromise.

“And the two things I can control are playing time and scholarships.”

Everybody wants playing time. And success helps the message hit between the eyes.

“When they (players) seemed to get it a lot of times is when you go win and they’re at home or standing beside you watching on the sideline.”

That happened a couple of years ago when tight end Marquez Branson, currently with the Denver Broncos, was suspended for a certain period of a game.

“He’s on the sideline watching and we drove and get a field goal, then we score a touchdown,” Conque said. “Marquez is on the sideline watching and says, ‘Coach, I’m gonna do better.’

“Later, Marquez told me, ‘Coach, you pulling me made me think about some things.’”

Branson was a better player from that point on. He was certainly a wiser player.

That’s part of the maturing, educational process.

Sometimes, it’s a matter of getting someone’s attention. Sometimes, that involves momentarily taking something away that is of value to the individual.

(Sports columnist David McCollum can be reached at 505-1235 or david.mccollum@thecabin.net)