University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Men's Football

Jonathan Green enters the 2025 season as the Assistant Quarterbacks Coach for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, following a strong year as a Graduate Assistant on the offensive staff. Green brings a diverse coaching background that includes experience in the NFL, FBS, FCS, and Division III, making him one of the most versatile young coaches in collegiate football. Green played a key role in the development of UAPB quarterback Christian Peterson, who emerged as one of the SWAC’s top passers during the 2025 season. Under Green’s guidance, Peterson elevated his game across every major statistical category, finishing third in the conference in passing yards per game (179.5) and passing efficiency (121.9), while ranking fifth in passing touchdowns with 13. He also closed the year Top 5 in total passing yards with 1,974 and Top 4 in total offense at 2,220 yards. Peterson improved his completion percentage from the previous season, and the Golden Lions’ offense produced more total yardage than the year before. Green’s ability to refine mechanics, decision-making, and overall quarterback play was a major factor in UAPB’s offensive growth. Before joining UAPB, Green served as the Defensive Backs Coach at Capital University (2023–24), where he emphasized technique, discipline, and leadership development in the secondary. In the summer of 2024, Green earned valuable professional experience with the Kansas City Chiefs through the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship, working alongside the defensive staff during training camp and the preseason on film breakdown, player development, and game-planning. Green also spent time at Georgia Tech in 2023, assisting with recruiting evaluations, communication, and operational support at the Power 5 level. Prior to that role, he worked at Grambling State University during the 2022 season as a Defensive Quality Control Assistant and Assistant Cornerbacks Coach, contributing to scouting reports, film study, game-plan development, and on-field player instruction. Throughout his career, Green has been actively involved in recruiting, opponent analysis, player development, and practice implementation across multiple levels of college football. Now on the offensive side of the ball, he brings a holistic understanding of defensive concepts that enhances his quarterback instruction and offensive game-planning, positioning him as a rising coaching talent within the UAPB program.

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Head Football Coach Alonzo Hampton has announced the hiring of Charles Roberts as the Golden Lions’ new General Manager. A proud graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, Roberts has dedicated his career to football at every level, bringing with him a passion for the game that began when he first suited up in middle school and carried through his senior year of high school. That passion evolved into a career spanning youth, high school, college, and professional football. Roberts gained professional experience as the General Manager of the Magnolia State Spartans, the first professional sports team in his hometown of Philadelphia, Mississippi. His leadership and eye for talent helped guide the Spartans to a championship game appearance in their inaugural season. He is no stranger to the SWAC, previously serving as Director of Athletics Operations at Alcorn State University, where his work emphasized football operations. While at Alcorn, Roberts also assisted with men’s basketball operations, earning a SWAC Championship ring as an administrator. Beyond college athletics, he has played a vital role in youth and high school football, coaching at Vicksburg High School and launching a youth football league in the area, where he mentored and developed the next generation of athletes. Roberts’ football reach also extends to media, having served as a writer for Mississippi Valley State football and now as the founder of Diamond Legacy Sports Group, where he covers the NFL and college football as both a writer and podcast contributor. His work has taken him to marquee events such as the Super Bowl, Senior Bowl, and HBCU Legacy Bowl. In 2024, Roberts expanded his football operations experience through an internship with On Location, assisting with logistics and operations for Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs. Roberts is also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and above all, he is devoted to his family. He and his wife, Janae, are the proud parents of their daughter, Woodlynn. “Charles brings a wealth of football knowledge, operations experience, and passion for this game to our program,” said Coach Hampton. “His background across every level of the sport, combined with his eye for talent and organizational leadership, will be a tremendous asset as we continue to elevate UAPB Football.”  

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff head coach Alonzo Hampton has announced the promotion of Jeff Burrow to Defensive Coordinator/Safeties. Burrow will step into the Defensive Coordinator role after serving last season as the program's co-defensive coordinator and safety coach. During that time, he had two student-athletes, Ja'Marlin Green and Quintin Sterling, finish in the top 16 in tackles in the SWAC Conference. Under his guidance, the Golden Lions also ranked fourth in interceptions on defense. Entering his fourth season with the Golden Lions, Burrow previously spent three years at the University at Buffalo (UB). He joined UB as the Bulls' director of player personnel and transitioned to coaching the defensive backs in 2021 after previously coaching the safeties. In 2020, Burrow's safeties played a significant role in helping the Bulls achieve the top ranking in total defense in the Mid-American Conference. Safety Cory Gross ranked second on the team in tackles with 42, while Tyrone Hill ranked fourth with 31 tackles and was second in pass breakups with 6. Burrow made an immediate impact in his first season coaching safeties. Both starting safeties, Joey Banks and Tyrone Hill, received All-MAC honors. Banks, a first-team selection, led the Bulls in tackles (85) and interceptions (3), while Hill earned second-team honors with 70 tackles and a team-best 10 pass breakups. Before his time at UB, Burrow served as the safeties coach at Kent State from 2011 to 2017, where he was later promoted to co-defensive coordinator in 2017. He contributed to the Golden Flashes' MAC East title run in 2012 and their first bowl appearance in 40 years. In each of Burrow's first five seasons, a Kent State safety earned All-MAC honors, including the two-time first-team All-MAC selection Nate Holley. During his tenure at Kent State, Burrow also coached several Academic All-MAC players, notably Jordan Italiano, who became the first football player in the school's history to be a three-time Academic All-American. In 2015, he was the only position coach in the nation with two Academic All-Americans. Before his time at Kent State, Burrow spent a season as the secondary coach at Indiana State and the year prior as the assistant secondary coach at Marshall. From 2007 to 2008, he coached wide receivers at Jacksonville State. Burrow's coaching career began as a defensive graduate assistant at Notre Dame from 2005 to 2006 and at Minnesota from 2003 to 2004. As a player, Burrow was a four-year starter at cornerback for the University of Cincinnati from 1995 to 1999. Following his college career, he signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League and played one season with the team. The Sylvester, Georgia, native earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Cincinnati in 1999 and a master's degree in education from Minnesota in 2004. He and his wife, Janea, have three daughters: Jazmyne, Jaelyn, and Jayda.   

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff football head coach, Alonzo Hampton has announced the appointment of Tom Manley as the team's tight ends coach, along with his return as the special teams coordinator. Manley transitions to the tight ends position after coaching running backs, where his unit ranked in the top six in the SWAC with a total of 17 touchdowns. Rising star and Arkansas native BJ Curry finished in the top 11 in rushing and tied for 14th in the conference for rushing touchdowns. On the special teams front, the Golden Lions excelled, finishing first in PAT (36-36) and second in field goals (10-12, .833). Manley will take over a tight ends unit that returns two significant players and some added depth, which should play an important role for the Golden Lions. Prior to joining UAPB, Manley spent two years at Lincoln (PA), where he successfully led an offense that set 11 school records in 2023. During his tenure, he coached CIAA Offensive Player of the Year, sophomore quarterback Isiah Freeman, as well as HBCU All-Americans Malachi Langley. In the 2022 season, Manley guided true freshman Isaiah Freeman to several honors, including CIAA Rookie of the Week (three times), 2nd Team All-CIAA, and CIAA Offensive Rookie of the Year. He also coached sophomore running back Amir Gerald, who averaged 6.3 yards per carry on 89 attempts and earned a spot on the 2nd Team All-CIAA. Before his time at Lincoln, Manley served as Offensive Coordinator and Academic Coordinator at Western Connecticut State University for four years. During his tenure, the offense consistently averaged over 30 points per game. Earlier in his career, he spent five years at Plymouth State University, where he was the Offensive Line Coach for three seasons and the Defensive Ends Coach for the last two. While at Plymouth, he coached two All-MASCAC players and contributed to the Panthers winning the MASCAC title in 2017. Manley played offensive line at Castleton University, where he was a four-year starter and earned all-conference honors.  

 Alonzo Hampton has announced the hiring of Miguel Black as the new running backs coach and recruiting coordinator for the program. Black, recognized as one of the top rising star recruiters in college football, joins UAPB after three successful seasons at Mississippi College, where he held positions involving running backs, special teams, and recruiting coordination. With a strong eye for talent and a deep connection to the southern regions, Coach Black played a crucial role in Mississippi College's recruiting efforts, ensuring a steady influx of skilled players into the program. His playing experience laid the foundation for his comprehensive understanding of defensive strategies and player dynamics. A product of Mississippi College, Coach Black stood out as a talented defensive back from 2015 to 2018. Seamlessly transitioning from player to coach, Coach Black began his coaching career at Madison Ridgeland Academy, where he developed his skills while coaching defensive backs. His passion for mentoring young athletes led to further opportunities, including a role as a Graduate Assistant at his alma mater, Mississippi College. In 2020-21, Coach Black expanded his coaching experience at Southwest Minnesota State, where he worked with both running backs and defensive backs. This diverse experience equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of both offensive and defensive strategies. While at Southwest Minnesota, he developed Jesse Sherwood into an All-Conference running back in the Northern Sun Conference. Upon returning to Mississippi College, Black's multifaceted coaching approach significantly enhanced the team's on-field performance and contributed to talent acquisition and player development. In 2022, Black's running back unit was ranked first in Division II for rushing offense, and he also had the top punter in the nation (Michael Shine) in Division II for yards per punt in 2023. Between 2022 and 2024, two student-athletes were named Freshman of the Year in the Gulf South Conference, and during his tenure at Mississippi College, six student-athletes received All-Conference honors.  

George Ricumstrict has been named as the defensive line coach for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff football program, as announced on Monday by head coach Alonzo Hampton. Ricumstrict brings 34 years of coaching experience in defensive line and linebackers to the team. He has a proven track record of developing All-Conference players, many of whom have gone on to graduate and play in the NFL. Before joining UAPB, Ricumstrict spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons coaching at Delaware State. He also served as an assistant coach at Northwood University (MI) in the NCAA Division II Great Northwest Conference during the 2022 season. Prior to Northwood, Ricumstrict was the defensive tackles coach at the University at Buffalo for two seasons. He previously spent six years as the defensive line coach at Central Michigan. Under his guidance, Buffalo led the Mid-American Conference in total defense in 2020. Defensive tackle Eddie Wilson earned All-MAC Third Team honors, recording 21 tackles and two tackles for loss that season. In Ricumstrict's first season as defensive tackles coach, his unit played a crucial role in the Bulls' rushing defense, which led the Mid-American Conference and ranked seventh nationally. Chibueze Onwuka, a former walk-on, was named to the All-MAC Third Team after achieving career highs with 43 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. In 2017, Ricumstrict led a defensive unit that was instrumental in helping Central Michigan rank third nationally with 31 forced turnovers and seventh with 19 interceptions. One notable player from this period was Joe Ostman, a protégé of Ricumstrict. Ostman became one of the best defensive players in CMU history, finishing his career with 28 sacks—second in program history. In 2017, he recorded 14 sacks, the second-highest single-season total for a Chippewa, leading the nation in both total sacks and sacks per game (1.27), along with 20.5 tackles for loss. Ricumstrict's defensive front also included standout players like Mitch Stanitzek and up-and-coming star Mike Danna, making significant contributions to a Chippewa defense that ranked first in the Mid-American Conference against the pass and limited opponents to five yards per play—second-best in the league. Among the highlights of Ricumstrict's tenure at CMU was the 2015 defensive line, which played a key role in CMU's rise to the No. 2 overall defense—and No. 16 ranking among all Football Bowl Subdivision programs—in the MAC. In 2014, his defensive unit ranked first in the MAC and 29th in FBS. Tackle Leterrius Walton, part of that 2014 unit, received First-Team All-MAC honors and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ricumstrict's coaching career, which spans over two decades, began in 1991 as a graduate assistant at Central Michigan. He has held various coaching positions at Northwood (1993-94), Wayne State (1995), Michigan State (1996), Army (1997), and Missouri Southern (1998-99) before returning to CMU to coach linebackers and special teams from 2000 to 2003. He moved to Miami (Ohio) in 2004 as the linebackers coach and later transitioned to Indiana, where he coached special teams, linebackers, and defensive ends from 2005 to 2010. Ricumstrict worked as an assistant at Central Missouri in 2011 and at Eastern Illinois in 2012 before returning to Mount Pleasant in 2013. As a player, Ricumstrict was a four-year letterman at Central Michigan from 1985 to 1988. As an inside linebacker, he was named the Chippewas' Most Valuable Player and received Second Team All-MAC recognition in his senior year. He was honored twice that season as the MAC Defensive Player of the Week for a 10-tackle performance against Montana State and a 10-tackle, two-interception game against Toledo, where he returned one interception 71 yards for a touchdown. He concluded his senior season with 121 total tackles, including 71 solo tackles and 11 for loss, along with three interceptions and one fumble recovery. In 1988, Ricumstrict received the Kurt Dobronski Award, given to a Central Michigan senior who exemplifies effort, intensity, and appreciation for the football program. A Detroit native and graduate of Northwestern High School, Ricumstrict finished his collegiate career with 266 total tackles (126 solo), 18 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and three interceptions. Ricumstrict earned both his bachelor's degree (1990) and his master's degree (1992) from Central Michigan University. He and his wife Sandy have two sons, Obie and Anton, the latter of whom attended Delaware State and played football after initially signing with Buffalo.

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Head Football Coach Alonzo Hampton has announced the hiring of Pierre Ingram as the Golden Lions’ new Wide Receivers Coach. Ingram, the son of the late Lt. Colonel Sebastian Ortarry Ingram, is a veteran coach with 17 years of experience across collegiate and professional football. For the past decade, he has served as the Offensive Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach for the Fujitsu Frontiers in Japan’s X-League, where he helped establish the program as one of the most successful in the country. Under his leadership, the Frontiers captured seven championships in 10 seasons and consistently ranked among the league’s top contenders. Before heading overseas, Ingram made his mark in the college ranks, most notably at the University of California, Berkeley. In 2015, he was named Cal’s Passing Game Coordinator and Wide Receivers Coach, and from 2013–14, he served as the Golden Bears’ Run Game Coordinator and Running Backs Coach. During his tenure, Cal produced its first 1,000-yard rusher since 2011 when Daniel Lasco ran for 1,115 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2014, a total that ranked ninth on Cal’s all-time single-season list. The team’s rushing offense improved 23 spots nationally in Ingram’s second season, showcasing his impact on the program’s offensive success. Prior to his time at Cal, Ingram coached running backs at Louisiana Tech University (2010–12), where he was instrumental in the Bulldogs’ explosive offense that led the nation in both scoring (51.5 points per game) and total offense (577.9 yards per game) during the 2012 season. That same year, he was named Western Athletic Conference Recruiter of the Year by ESPN.com. Ingram mentored Strong, Arkansas native Kenneth Dixon, who broke Marshall Faulk’s NCAA freshman records for rushing touchdowns (27), total touchdowns (28), and points (168) en route to WAC Freshman of the Year and Freshman All-American honors. Ingram also contributed to championship success at the FCS level, serving as an offensive assistant and tight ends coach at Villanova during its 2009 national championship season. He began his career as a wide receivers coach and recruiting coordinator at Texas A&M University–Commerce in 2009, and prior to that, was an assistant wide receivers coach at Cortland State (2007–08), where the program compiled a 20–5 record, won the ECAC Division III Northeast Bowl (2007), and advanced to the NCAA Division III quarterfinals (2008) for the first time in school history. A 2006 graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Ingram earned his bachelor’s degree in liberal arts and was a four-year letterwinner as a wide receiver. He was honored as the program’s Most Dependable Receiver in his senior year, helping lead the Blue Raiders to the 2006 Motor City Bowl.

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff's Head Football Coach, Alonzo Hampton, has announced the hiring of Nathan Jones as the new linebackers coach.   Jones is recognized within the coaches' association as one of the top upcoming assistant coaches, known for his attention to detail, emphasis on technique and fundamentals, and his ability to develop strong defensive athletes.   In 2024, Jones returned to Lincoln University (PA) where he served as the linebackers coach, special teams coordinator, and recruiting coordinator. In his first season as the special teams’ coordinator, all four core units showed statistical improvements. Additionally, returner Zyaire Tart was named the Conference's Special Teams Player of the Year. As the recruiting coordinator, Jones played a crucial role in helping the Lions recruit five mid-year transfers and 16 high school signees on signing day, marking the largest signing day in Lincoln football history.   In 2023, Jones worked as a defensive graduate assistant at the University at Buffalo, primarily focusing on the defensive backs. During his time there, he contributed to a defense that ranked in the top 25 nationally for passing defense (18th), third-down defense (23rd), and defensive touchdowns (25th). Furthermore, in conference play, the Bulls were ranked among the top 10 nationally in total defense.   In 2022, Jones spent one season at Lincoln (PA), where he worked with the Lions' safeties and overhangs, and served as the program's recruiting and video coordinator. He played a significant role in the development of safety Kai Gray, who led the CIAA in tackles per game and ranked first in forced fumbles in NCAA Division II. Gray later signed with the Edmonton Elks in the CFL and was named the West Division Nominee for the CFL Most Outstanding Rookie Award.   Jones's coaching career began in 2020 at the University of Delaware, where he served as a defensive student coach, primarily working with the defensive backs. During his time at UD, the Blue Hens won the spring 2021 CAA Championship and advanced to the NCAA FCS Semifinal game.   Jones graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Sports Management. He and his wife, Romelia, have a beautiful daughter named Adalina.