Despite icy weather and canceled classes, The Bears signed 26 new football players to the team during a virtual signing day Wednesday, Feb. 1.
With 11 players from Arkansas, seven from Mississippi, six from Texas and one from both Florida and Alabama, the Bears welcomed these players virtually due to weather conditions.
“The breakdown of new student-athletes is as follows: seven defensive backs; four wide receivers; four offensive linemen; three linebackers; three running backs; two defensive linemen; one quarterback; one tight end and one placekicker,” according to UCAsports.com
Out of the 26 newly signed players, 11 are from in-state, possibly bringing in some familiar faces.
Of the Mid-Year Enrollees, three are from various parts of Arkansas.
Senior Andrew Hayes, a 6’1 cornerback from Ouachita Baptist University, has respectable stats.
From his 2021 and 2022 stats, he has 99 tackles, five tackles, three interceptions and 17 pass breal ups.
Before his college career, Hayes graduated from Bryant High School and even had an offer from Western Illinois University.
“I’m really excited and ready to compete at a new level. Being with the guys on the team for the last couple of weeks and grinding with them has me hyped up to get on the field with them,” Hayes said.
ShunDerrick Powell has also been recruited, and, given his past offers, is a hot topic.
Originally from Hoxie, Arkansas, Powell left a lasting impression on coaches.
With 15 potential offers, he was awarded Dave Campbell ASUN Player of the Year in 2022, as well as several other awards.
Although the Mid-Year Enrollees are impressive, it’s hard to beat the new talent coming for the Bears this fall.
2023 Senior Braden Jones, a linebacker from Northwest Arkansas, is welcomed to the team with his notable statistics.
Jones carries over 350 tackles, 12 sacks, one INT and was named the 21st-Rated overall Prospect in Arkansas by Hootens.
The Bears will also welcome 2023 Senior Miguel Graham, a defensive back from Bryant High School.
Graham is a three-time 7A State Champion and has received offers from Southeast Missouri University, Murray State and Eastern Illinois.
He also received a slew of awards and titles: 2021 & 2022 7A Central All-Conference Selection, 2021 & 2022 AAA 7A All-State Selection, 2022 All-Metro Team Selection and Arkansas Democrat-Gazette All-Arkansas Team.
Russellville High School tight end Ben Haulmark will also be a new addition to the Football Bears.
Haulmark is an attractive prospect, with 272 rushing yards, and six touchdowns for the 2022 season.