Bears' focus isn't at quarterback now.

The news that will garner the most attention for the University of Central Arkansas football team early on this fall is that the most prolific passer in Arkansas college history has ended his amazing run. Nathan Brown finished his career with over 10,000 passing yards and 100 touchdowns as well as collecting a boatload of wins.

Thanks in large part to his performance last fall, the Bears finished with the best record in the Southland Conference at 10-2. The loss of a player of this good cannot be overstated. This year Brown passes the reins to fifth-year senior Robbie Park, who goes into fall camp with the edge over Arkansas transfer Nathan Dick and redshirt freshman Trae Cook.

Regardless of which signal caller earns the starting nod, he'll have a talented group of running backs, linemen and receivers around him, which should make the transition pretty smooth. While the change under center may warrant the most interest from much of the media and many of the fans, the real story to me is tied to the other side of the ball.

Led by the Southland Conference's Defensive Player of the Year, Larry Hart, the purple and gray defense is fast, strong, persistent and plays with attitude. Hart has been named to the watch list for the 2009 Buck Buchanan Award, given annually to the top defensive player at the NCAA FCS level.

While I love to watch him perform, it almost makes me sorry for opposing quarterbacks and running backs that all too often find themselves on Hart's radar.

First-year defensive coordinator Matt Williamson takes over for Denzil Cox, who retired at the end of the '08 season after directing a squad that led the conference in scoring defense and finished second in total defense. If Williamson (who was promoted from defensive line coach) is able to continue that run of success while returning most of his starters and backups, it will certainly make things easier for the offense and should result in a lot of wins. It's a unit that will be opportunistic and fun to watch.

Despite the great defensive stats in '08, this is a team that has made high-flying offense its calling card under head coach Clint Conque. This year we may be more likely to see a team that while balanced and exciting offensively, finds success in running the ball effectively and keeping opposing offenses off the field.

Brent Grimes is back at running back for his senior campaign after finishing fifth in the league in rushing his junior season. He also has a nose for the end zone and was the only player in the Southland to average more than 10 points per game. There is a stable of talented runners behind him as well that includes a nice mix of power runners and speedsters.

Admittedly, a team without an established quarterback is usually in for some growing pains. In addition, UCA opens the season on the road against a pair of FBS teams (at Hawaii and at Western Kentucky). But don't be surprised if the Bears roll back into Conway 2-0.

Don't be surprised if the men in purple and gray are again contending at the end of the season for the best record in the Southland Conference. Don't be surprised, if in late November, Conque is busy ordering championship rings.

I know I won't.

Justin Acri is program director of KABZ-FM, 103.7 The Buzz, and is color analyst for UCA Bears football.