Scrimmage video confirms Conque's analysis

The tape of Saturday's first scrimmage didn't change University of Central Arkansas football coach Clint Conque's mind that the Bears were solid in most areas.

But he said there are some things to clean up.

"Offensively, I thought (quarterback) Nathan Brown was obviously sharp," said Conque, who is beginning his ninth season. "He was 10 of 13 for 95 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. I thought the offensive line, particularly Lane

Freiwald and Brad Gordon, did a nice job. And (tight end) Marquez Branson and (receiver) Willie Landers looked good catching the ball.'

Landers, a sophomore from El Dorado, had four receptions for 40 yards and Branson had one for 16 yards and the only touchdown.

The Bears went 74 plays, not counting special teams work, in their first scrimmage of preseason. Conque said the offense was fairly sharp despite missing several injured players.

"I thought the effort was good for the most part,' he said, "and I think we had some individuals that played well. We definitely have to get better, but I thought we did OK for the first scrimmage. We only played the 1's (first-teamers), offense and defense, for about 24 plays.'

Defensively, Conque singled out several players, including linemen Taylor Scott, Trey Lippe, Marshall Loyd, Larry Hart and Tim Holloway, linebackers Jacob Bane, James Lancaster and Vance Fizer, and defensive backs Dathan Johnson, Zach Hyatt, Jamie Hill and Pieri Feazell.

A group of return specialists vying to replace All-American Tristan Jackson also caught Conque's eye Saturday.

"I think we're really showing a lot of promise with our return guys,' he said, "led by (junior) Anthony Gambles. He's doing a great job back there. (Sophomore) Henry Minor and (freshman) T.J. Adams are also doing a nice job there as well.'

Conque said several injured Bears should return to the practice field this week, including key receivers senior Eric Ware and sophomore Darrius McNeal. Ware is UCA's most experienced returning receiver while McNeal caught 31 passes for 308 yards as a freshman.