As we will do throughout this football season, HawgBeat went behind enemy lines to gain insight on the UAPB Golden Lions from Pine Bluff Commercial Sports Reporter Tanner Spearman.
The last time Arkansas and UAPB faced off was in 2021, a 45-3 Razorbacks victory at War Memorial Stadium.
Second-year UAPB head coach and former Arkansas analyst Alonzo Hampton led the Golden Lions to a 2-9 (1-7 SWAC) overall record last season.
Here is what Spearman had to say about Thursday's matchup, which is set to kickoff at 6:30 p.m. CT at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock...
What are the vibes like inside the UAPB football program?
Spearman: "This is Alonzo Hampton's second season at UAPB. Last year, he didn't have time to really do much recruiting based on the timing of the hire, so he had to make do with what he inherited. This year, he has brought in a ton of transfers, plus signed an Arkansas-heavy freshman class.
"There are still some holdovers left from the previous coaching staff, but this feels like a lot more of Hampton's guys. They know rebuilding this program will take time, but there is optimism the Golden Lions are moving in the right direction."
Who are the key offensive and defensive returners for UAPB?
Spearman: "Defensive end Anas Luqman returns after missing most of last season with a torn MCL. He had a promising start to the year and should be a pass rush threat. Khalil Arnold led the team in sacks last year and may be moving from linebacker to defensive end.
"On offense, running back Johness Davis started strong but was hampered by lingering injuries down the stretch. If he stays healthy, he should be a solid weapon."
Any Golden Lion newcomers that fans should be aware of?
Spearman: "There are a ton of newcomers from the transfer portal as well as the JUCO and high school ranks. Linebacker Kaylon Bradley had 54 tackles, 6.5 TFL, and 3.5 sacks at a California JUCO which went 10-1 last season.
“Defensive tackle Antonio "AJ" Johnson comes from DII Northeastern State in Oklahoma and looks set to be a mainstay on the defensive line. JUCO transfer safety Quintin Sterling looked good to me in the spring.
"Offensively, Tennessee Tech transfer running back OJ Ross and Arkansas-Monticello receivers JaVonnie Gibson and Kristian Gammage should all be useful weapons. UAPB also added some skill guys from FBS schools who will compete for playing time."
What kind of offense will UAPB run against Arkansas?
Spearman: "UAPB brought in Tony Hull as OC this year after he coached Grambling State's offense last year. He runs an up-tempo spread offense. As far as run or pass, they want to take what the defense gives them."
How will UAPB's defense try to stop Arkansas' offense?
Spearman: "UAPB has a lot of youth in the secondary, and Hampton says they want to keep it simple for them. The Golden Lions' best chance will need to come from the defensive front, especially the pass rush. They need to get to (Taylen) Green quickly."
How do you see the game playing out?
Spearman: "Last year, UAPB also opened up the season on the road against an FBS opponent (Tulsa) on a Thursday night. The Golden Lions led 7-0 after the first quarter but couldn't hold on.
“It wouldn't surprise me if UAPB gets off to a good start, but an unproven and inexperienced offensive line will have a big challenge trying to hold off an SEC defense for four quarters."
