Oklahoma St. aide completes UA staff

FAYETTEVILLE --With dual titles of running-backs coach and special-teams coordinator, Jemal Singleton has been hired away from Oklahoma State by Arkansas coach Bret Bielema as the final piece to his revamped Razorback football staff.

Singleton was named Wednesday, the University of Arkansas announced, as the numerical replacement for running-backs coach Joel Thomas, who left after three seasons to become the running-backs coach in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints.

Previously, Bielema hired offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Dan Enos and linebackers coach Vernon Hargreaves to replac offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Jim Chaney, now fulfilling both roles at the University of Pittsburgh, and Randy Shannon, now the co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Florida.

Returning with signed contracts are defensive coordinator Robb Smith, defensive -ackfield coach Clay Jennings, defensive-line coach Rory Segrest, offensive-line coach Sam Pittman, tight-ends coach Barry Lunney Jr. and receivers coach Michael Smith.

Singleton, a 1999 Air Force Academy graduate and three-year letterman running back and senior team captain, served 11 years on the Falcons' staff, the last five coaching running backs. He is an Air Force veteran, spending two years at the Little Rock air base in Jacksonville.

His last four Air Force years (2007-2010), Singleton also had the title of running-game coordinator while the Falcons annually led the Mountain West Conference in rushing and was annually top 10 nationally in rushing including second nationally in 2010 averaging 306.5 rushing yards per game.

Singleton coached running backs for Mike Gundy at Oklahoma State from 2011-2014.

Last season Oklahoma State running backs committed zero turnovers, fumbling just once with the Cowboys recovering.

"We are very intrigued with Jemal's history as a person, player and coach, and specifically his experience with the running-back position," Bielema was quoted in Wednesday's press release. "He will be a great asset that brings life experience to Arkansas. Jemal fits into our offensive- and special-teams philosophy. We are excited for him to join our program and help us win an SEC championship."

Singleton also was quoted in the press release.

"After meeting with coach Bielema, (Arkansas Athletic Director Jeff Long) and the rest of the Razorback football staff, I knew that this was something I wanted to be a part of," Singleton was quoted. "It was just the perfect fit, both on and off the field. The opportunity to coordinate special teams and work with two returning 1,000-yard rushers (senior Jonathan Williams and junior Alex Collins) was icing on the cake. My family and I cannot wait to join this great institution and community. I look forward to helping the University of Arkansas win an SEC championship."

Singleton was presented a $310,00o contract through June 2016.

Sports on 02/26/2015

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