Arkansas Business

This story is from the archives of ArkansasSports360.com.

The University of Central Arkansas football program announced the addition of 23 new student-athletes at Wednesday’s annual Signing Day Reception in the Hall of Fame Room at Estes Stadium.

The newest Bears include three mid-year transfers who are already enrolled in school, and 20 newcomers who will join the program in the summer. The signing class consists of 11 student-athletes from Texas, seven from Arkansas, two each from Oklahoma and Louisiana and one from Tennessee.

Broken down by position, the signing class features five defensive linemen, three wide receivers, three linebackers, two offensive linemen, two cornerbacks, two safeties. two tight ends, one running back, one quarterback, and two designated as athletes.

The Bears, who reached the second round of the NCAA FCS Playoffs last season in just their second season of eligibility, finished 9-4 overall and in second place in the Southland Conference with a 6-1 record.

UCA had nine players named to the All-Southland Conference first or second teams after the season. Three Bears, quarterback Nathan Dick, linebacker Seth Allison and offensive lineman Dominique Allen, were named to All-America teams. UCA had 16 seniors last season.

The Bears, under the direction of 12-year head coach Clint Conque, will open the 2012 season on Saturday, Sept. 1 at Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss.

Justin Carpenter, OL (6-4, 290), Lonoke HS

Cody Dauksch, ATH (6-1, 215), West Memphis HS

Prince Ene, CB (5-10, 180), George Bush HS, Houston, Texas

Wes Foster, RB (5-11, 195), Clarksville HS

Dawson Hadnot, DL (6-1, 265), Garland HS, Garlands, Texas

Bo Harper, TE (6-4, 235), Ouachita Christian HS, Monroe, La.

Haywood Jeffires, CB (6-0, 198), Glenda Dawson HS, Pearland, Texas

Jameson Johnson, WR (5-10, 175), Tomball HS, Houston, Texas

Lance Kloker, OL (6-5, 275), Owasso (Okla.) HS

Jazz Mason, LB (6-1, 210), Arlington HS, Memphis, Tenn.

Bailey McIver, DE (6-4, 235), Sheridan HS