With only nine seniors on the 2019 version of the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff football team, the Golden Lions bring back a deep, experienced roster.
 
For first-year head coach Doc Gamble, that continuity has been evident as fall camp has progressed. What is also evident is the new players adjusting the speed of the college game.
 
Teaching those concepts and the process of their development on the field has been a critical component during on-field work for UAPB.
 
"The older group of guys, we feel excellent about what they give us," Gamble said. "It's about the next guy in now. We've thrown a lot at the younger guys, and they are still learning. During practice, their heads are still spinning a little bit at times. We want to get to the point where the game is slowing down for them. When that happens, that is going to make us a better football team. They are still freshmen and new players, but we have to limit the missed assignments. They are learning how to do things the college way."
 
The teaching and learning aspects to help with the transition to Division I football has been a team effort. The challenges of Covid-19 have afforded the program additional meeting time, which has further yielded added time on attention to detail.
 
"With having an experienced staff, the smallest of details have been elevated," Gamble said.  "For example, Coach (Offensive Coordinator Don) Treadwell can go in and run the offensive meeting and point things out in a thorough way. All of our coaches are doing that, and we're seeing the players transition that to the field. Because of the time off that we've had, we've done a lot of studying. That has given us more time to point out things to the guys. As they have questions, our staff has been able to illustrate on film what needs to happen on specific plays, and the effort it takes to elevate us to the next level we are trying to go."
 

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