JONESBORO, Ark. (4/15/23) – Following a variety of community-based activities at Centennial Bank Stadium as part of the Arkansas State football team's Pack Day on Saturday, the Red Wolves' split their roster into two teams wearing black uniforms on one sideline and red on the other for their annual Spring Game that ended with a 34-20 victory for the Black squad.
 
Wrapping up A-State's 2023 spring camp, the Black team scored 20 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to overcome a 20-14 deficit midway through the third quarter.  Redshirt freshman quarterback Jaxon Dailey completed 18-of-34 passes for 240 yards and a pair of scores to help lead the Black squad to 429 yards total offense in comparison to the Red team's 307.
 
A-State also issued its annual team awards during the game and met with fans on the field at its conclusion, signing autographs and taking photos.  The day also included an A-State Athletics gear sale, tailgating, cornhole tournament, food trucks and vendors and much more.
 
"A big thank you to our fan base," said head coach Butch Jones following the Spring Game.  "Our fans brought great energy – we asked them to come out and support us and they responded.  They stayed for the entire game, and you could feel their positivity and energy, but even more so after the game with the autograph session and the way they swarmed the field.  It means a lot to myself, to our program and to our players and their families when you have that type of support, so thank you to them."
 
Senior wide receiver Jeff Foreman added six receptions for 138 yards and two touchdowns for the Black team, which also finished with 126 rushing yards.  True freshman quarterback Jaylen Raynor completed 32-of-51 pass attempts for 333 yards and a score to lead the Red squad.
 
Defensively, both teams finished with nine tackles for loss and combined for 26.0 tackles for loss.  Five different players posted an interception and six recorded at least 2.0 sacks.
 
"I don't think you could have scripted (the Spring Game) any better," said Jones.  "We had so many learning opportunities, and I think the more you play with people in the stands, play with something on the line, play with officials – it's completely different.
 
"I'm appreciative to our players.  I think they've maintained a great attitude through the course of spring, but we have to have the best summer we've ever had.  We have to continue to learn – a lot of these individuals are getting a lot repetitions and large volume of plays for the first time.  Today was another learning opportunity, but also a great evaluation tool, and now we'll get back in the weight room and finish strong academically."
 
A-State announced its spring-camp team awards during halftime.  The football team issued its "Consistency in Performance Award" to three players, including offensive lineman Jacob Bayer, defensive back Trevian Thomas and kicker Dominic Zvada.
 
Winning the Pack Performer Award for top performance in the weight room were running back Zak Wallace and linebacker Charles Willekes.  Running back Ja'Quez Cross, tight end Emmanual Stevenson, defensive back Leon Jones and defensive linemen Ashtin Rustemeyer, Keyron Crawford and Tim Hardiman all received the Most Improved Award.
 
Earning the 4 to 6/A to B Award for best demonstrating the core values associated with the honor were defensive lineman Ethan Hassler and offensive lineman Chase Jessup.  The Red Wolves' Program Leadership Award was issues to Dailey, defensive back Justin Parks and linebacker Melique Straker.
 
In addition to the spring-camp team awards, there was a special presentation honoring A-State's 2022 Larry Lacewell MVP winner Johnnie Lang Jr. (RB).  The honor is issued annually to the team's MVP, recognizing excellence on the field and in the classroom, leadership, integrity and commitment to teammates.
 
Former offensive lineman Jordan Rhodes was also recognized as the winner of the 2022 Withrow Award, presented annually to the program's outstanding offensive lineman of the year.
 
Arkansas State opens its 2023 season at Oklahoma on Sept. 2 before hosting Memphis a week later in its home opener.  Season tickets may be purchased or renewed by calling the Red Wolves Foundation at 870-972-2401 or online by visiting AStateRedWolves.com/tickets.