ARKADELPHIA – The 2014 football team along with Tiger football alumni Julius Pruitt and David Easley will be celebrated this weekend as inductees into the Ouachita Baptist University Athletics Hall of Fame.
The honorees will be recognized for their accomplishments this Saturday, September 28 at halftime of Ouachita’s football game against Arkansas-Monticello. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Cliff Harris Stadium.
2014 Football Team
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the 2014 Great American Conference champion football team, which was the first Tiger team in the modern era to post an undefeated regular season at 10-0. The team finished at 10-1 overall following an overtime loss in the program’s first ever NCAA playoffs appearance.
The 2014 Tigers had two All-America honorees in Etauj Allen and Zack Mitchell. Allen was the nation’s top punt return specialist that year and was the only player to have three punt returns for touchdowns. Mitchell was one of the top defenders that season with six interceptions, 55 tackles, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.
Other highlights of the 2014 season were six all-region honorees, 18 All-GAC selections, Todd Knight earning GAC coach of the year honors, and a 41-20 Battle of the Ravine victory over cross-street rival Henderson State to clinch an undefeated regular season and the No. 1 seed in the playoffs.
“What a special group of guys,” said Ouachita football coach Todd Knight. “That team was so talented, but what made us successful was the camaraderie of the group. They truly loved one another and played that way. Those seniors on that team saw what winning a championship looked like when we won in 2011, and they believed in themselves to get it done again. Not only did that team win the conference, they really helped put us on the map from a national perspective. We can credit that bunch for the national recognition we have today.”
The 2014 football roster can be viewed here: https://obutigers.com/sports/football/roster/2014
Julius “Julio” Pruitt
Going by the Ouachita football record book, Julius Pruitt is one of the top two receivers in program history.
From 2005-08, Pruitt was a two-time All-Gulf South Conference selection, highlighted by first team honors in his senior season of 2008, when he set school records in receiving yards (1,116) and receiving touchdowns (11), both of which are still standing. In the career record book, Pruitt is second all-time at Ouachita in receiving yards (2,406), second in receptions (171), and third in touchdowns (24).
The Newport, Arkansas native also earned first team all-region status in 2008 and was selected as Ouachita’s MVP by the Little Rock Touchdown Club.
In 2009, Pruitt began his career in professional football as a member of the practice squad for the NFL’s Miami Dolphins. He was promoted to the active roster in 2011 and played through 2013.
Pruitt’s decision to pursue a career in the NFL put his undergraduate degree on hold, but with the NFLPA’s Trust Scholarship program, he was able to finish his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology in 2021 while serving as an assistant coach with the Tigers.
Pruitt recently opened UpFront Performance Enhancement, a sports training facility located in downtown Arkadelphia. He is also an area scout for the Reese’s Senior Bowl and an estimator for J&M Plastering, Inc. He and his wife of eight years, Marylen, have four children.
“The different ways that Julio has contributed to this university and specifically to the football program are too many to count,” said Ouachita football coach Todd Knight. “Seeing him come into our program, and watching him develop in all phases was incredible, especially the way it led to an opportunity to play in the NFL. His records speak for themselves, but his legacy for this program speaks to the intangibles like his impeccable character, his great work ethic, and his loving personality. He is a great role model for our players now, and a great example for all of us.”
David Easley
David Easley was a standout defensive lineman for the Tigers from 1968-71 and went on to have a successful coaching career that included three conference championships and a high school district title.
The Texarkana native was a key factor in Ouachita’s success in the late 60s and early 70s. The Tigers had three winning seasons during Easley’s playing career, highlighted by the 1970 Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference championship. As a senior in 1971, Easley earned All-AIC First Team honors and was also selected to the NAIA Honorable Mention All-America team.
Following his playing career, Easley began a coaching career that included stops at Arkansas-Monticello, Central Arkansas, Ouachita, Texas High School in Texarkana, and finally at Arkansas Tech.
As defensive coordinator at UCA under head coach Ken Stephens, Easley and the Bears won AIC championships in 1976 and 1978. The 1976 team finished as the NAIA national runner-up. The 1978 team finished fifth in the nation.
Easley came back to Ouachita as defensive coordinator for the 1979 and 1980 seasons before becoming head coach and athletic director at Texas High School in his hometown of Texarkana. He led his team to a district championship in 1984 and was voted East Texas coach of the year. He then finished his coaching career as defensive coordinator at Arkansas Tech in 1987 and 1988.
Following his football career, Easley worked for 22 years as an agency field specialist with State Farm Insurance. He and his wife, former Ouachita cheerleader Donita (Austin), have two children.
“David Easley was an outstanding athlete that played with a lot of intensity and determination,” said Ouachita athletics director David Sharp. “Those qualities carried over into his coaching and professional life, where he excelled in both areas. David is a Tiger for life and continues to support our university and football program in meaningful ways.”
