UCA quarterback quickly makes history
AIt's not much a surprise for University of Central Arkansas quarterback Nathan Brown to set new school records.
It didn't take long for his latest one.
Just two plays into Thursday's 38-14 win over Henderson State at First Security Field at Estes Stadium, Brown made history again. He hit Marquez Branson for a 19-yard gain and passed Randy Huffstickler's record for most career passing yards (7,360).
Brown entered the game needing just eight yards to surpass Huffstickler, who played for the Bears from 1978-1981. But breaking that record wasn't on the top of Brown's list.
"It's exciting, but it's not something I put my main concern on," Brown said. "I just want to go out there and do whatever it takes to win. The numbers will come. Obviously, I'm humbled and honored I broke the record."
Finishing his career with 10,000 yards and 100 touchdowns is a realistic feat for Brown, who currently has 7,719 yards and 72 touchdowns. The numbers, though, don't shock UCA coach Clint Conque.
"I've run out of adjectives to describe Nathan," Conque said. "He deserves everything that's come his way and everything that's going to come his way.
"The pressure of playing quarterback at UCA is enormous. He's handled that pressure well. We go as he goes. We want him to continue to break records and accomplish a lot of positive things."
Brown opened the season with a 24-for-34 performance and passed for 367 yards and three touchdowns. He hit 12 different receivers in the process. That's something Brown credits as a big part of his success.
"There are a lot of guys on our teams who can make things happen," Brown said. "That what makes our offense what it is. Just the opportunity to have the guys we do around us makes me a better football player. ... It's definitely a quarterback's dream. We have 14 guys who can make immediate things happen.
"I'm excited about what we can accomplish this season with these guys."
Brown already holds the school record for career pass attempts (926), career completions (626), career touchdowns (72) and the single game record of most touchdowns (7). There are several more records Brown is on pace to break as the season goes along. Brown, though, knows the season is still very young, and the games take more importance than the historic individual achievements.
"With out multiple offense, we're going to air it out," Brown said. "We'll be able to put up some good numbers, but the thing is that we've just got to get a win. We've still got 11 games to go."
Besides, the numbers are greatly enhanced by those on the receiving end of Brown's passing efforts.
"The stats can be a little deceiving because the backs and receivers are able to make some things happen," Brown said.
With Brown and his supporting cast around him, Conque is confident many of those happenings can be for the positive.
"Nathan is a good leader of our team," Conque said. "It's great to get to coach a young man like him, and it's good to see other guys step up and make things happen as well."