December 2008 Glory on the Gridiron Ones to watch this season. Sam Bradford
This month, as college football bowl games flood your television, let yourself get sucked in. Just make sure you have read below or your STV is close by. You’ll want to refer back to this article when you see a player score a touchdown and kneel in prayer. “Maybe he helps out with his FCA Huddle,” you’ll wonder.
If he’s found below or inside the magazine, the answer is yes.
We are profiling the athletes who are owning leadership roles both on and off the field. They are actively involved in their FCA Huddles and chapels and are setting positive examples for young fans to follow. We'll start with Heisman-hopeful Sam Bradford, and he is just the beginning of this tremendous list of athletes.
So, check them out below, then grab your STV and a comfy seat. It’s game time!
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Sam Bradford - #14
College: University of Oklahoma
Position: Quarterback
Year: Redshirt Sophomore
Hometown: Oklahoma City
Trivia:
•In his first game for OU, he completed 21 of 23 passing attempts for 363 yards and 3 TDs, and broke the school record for passing yards in a half.
•In his second game, Bradford broke the school record for most consecutive pass completions (22).
•Holds the NCAA freshman TD passing record (36)
•Led the Sooners to a Big 12 Championship in 2007 •Serves on the FCA leadership team at OU
How his faith in Christ helps him handle pressure: “It helps just knowing that I’m not going out there on the field alone. I’m always going out there with God. He’s always got my back. Even if things on the field don’t go my way and there’s 80,000 people booing me, or if we lose a game and the whole state wants to cut off my head, I always know that there’s Someone who loves me unconditionally.”
Faith lessons he learned during his redshirt season: “Probably the biggest things I learned were just the power of patience and perseverance, and knowing that everything God does, He does for a reason. He knows what He’s doing. It’s not our job to question what He’s doing with our lives. He has a purpose for it, and we just have to trust Him and know that His plan is the right way.”
Scripture that helps him stay motivated: "Before every game, I read the story of David and Goliath. Reading that story assures me of God and His power. It gives me confidence just knowing that He’s always going to be there for me, and that, when you go in His name, He’s going to take care of you.”
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How he handles negative peer pressure: “I never really let peer pressure get to me. It’s something my parents had always talked to me about. Maybe not so much with my faith, but with other things—people are going to pressure you to drink or to do drugs—and I think I just carried that over to my faith. Why should I care what everyone else thinks about how I believe? It’s my belief, and I’m gonna do what I’m gonna do.”
His advice to those afraid to share their faith: “Kids would be surprised at how many people would be interested to hear about their faith. I think there are a lot of people who are scared to share their faith because they think everyone else is so strong in theirs, or they think that others don’t care. But, for me, going to FCA here and getting to listen to other student-athletes give their testimonies really helped me. And I think you’d be surprised with how much you have in common with other people.”
His advice to student-athletes: “A lot of athletes, when things are going good, feel like God’s doing the right thing. But then, all of a sudden, when things go bad, they feel like God’s punishing them. But, really, they just need to know that God has a master plan for all of us, and to just be patient and realize that everything is going to work out.”
How FCA helps him be a better student-athlete: “It offers me a chance during the week to just get away from everything. Sometimes I get so caught up in school and so caught up in football, and I start stressing a lot. I’ll worry about a test or worry about the upcoming game. But on Tuesday nights, I know there’s a place I can go for an hour and just forget about everything and listen to someone who is sharing the Word of God.” |
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Marlon Davis - #76
College: University of Alabama
Position: Offensive Line
Year: Senior
Hometown: Columbus, Ga.
Trivia:
•2008 Sylvester Croom Commitment to Excellence Award co-winner for spring practices
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Davis on the role his faith plays in football:
“My faith is the foundation and reason why I play football.I please God by doing the best I can do.”
FCA's Gary Cramer on Davis:
“Everyone in the locker room knows where Marlon stands. He guards his tongue and works hard every day at his faith and his sport.”
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Drew Davis - #79
College: University of Alabama
Position: Offensive Line
Year: Junior
Hometown: Evergreen, Ala.
Trivia:
•Co-winner of the 2008 Bart Starr Most Improved Player Award for spring Practices
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Davis on depending on God through physical challenges:
“Every day you are out there pounding and grinding, and your body hurts. Depending on yourself to get through it is close to impossible. There are going to be times you have to call on Him and put your faith in something bigger than you.”
FCA's Gary Cramer on Davis:
“I have seen Drew grow tremendously since he came to Christ his freshman year. He is plain about his faith and gets the job done.”
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Tristan Davis - #9
College: Auburn University
Position: Running Back
Year: Senior
Hometown: East Point, Ga.
Trivia:
•Set Auburn single-season record with 756 kickoff return yards in 2006
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FCA's Chette Williams on Davis:
“Tristan has had plenty of opportunities to react [to adversity] in frustration, but, because of his rooted relationship with Jesus Christ, he has never given up.”
Davis on facing adversity:
“After my second injury, my faith was really challenged. I felt like I had to ask God, ‘Why me? Why do I keep getting injured?’ But I realized that He was just showing me how to become a stronger person.”
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Jason Bosley - #68
College: Auburn University
Position: Offensive Line
Year: Senior
Hometown: Evergreen, Ala.
Trivia:
•Received Top GPA Award and Pat Dye Leadership Award following 2008 spring drills |
Bosley on FCA:
“FCA gives people who don’t know much about God a chance to hear about Him and to hear the gospel and be exposed to its teachings.”
FCA's Chette Williams on Bosley:
“After our bowl game last year, Jason told me, ‘I realize it’s not about what God can do for me, but what I can do for the Lord.’”
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Louis Murphy - #9
College: University of Florida
Position: Wide Receiver
Year: Senior
Hometown: St. Petersburg, Fla.
Trivia:
•Also a member of UF’s track and field team
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FCA's Don Mauldin on Murphy:
“Louis has been involved in FCA for two years now, and in that time, I’ve seen him grow in his faith and his accountability.”
Murphy on growing closer to God through sadness:
“My mother passing away was a tough time. Surviving the challenge with the strength of God and those around me has made me try to live every day how she would want me to live.”
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Jason Watkins - #77
College: University of Florida
Position: Offensive Line
Year: Redshirt Senior
Hometown: Lakeland, Fla.
Trivia:
•Member of UF’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee |
Watkins on his faith:
“I know that God will never give me more than I can handle. No matter what trials I go through, I know I can make it.”
FCA's Don Mauldin on Watkins:
“You can’t be in the room with Jason and not know that he’s a Christian. He is about 6’7”, 300 lbs., and about 290 of it is heart.”
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Tim Tebow - #15
College: University of Florida
Position: Quarterback
Year: Junior
Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla.
Trivia:
•2007 Heisman Trophy winner and first-team AP All-American
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FCA's Don Mauldinon Tebow
:
“Tim sets a good example for his teammates and even speaks God’s Word into his coaches’ lives. Coach [Urban] Meyer shared at our banquet how Tim takes him Scripture on a regular basis just to remind him of God’s presence in his life.”
Tebow on facing challenges as a Christian:
“God is the No. 1 priority in my life, and, by staying close to Him through prayer, reflection and serving, it’s easy to overcome the challenges that arise on a day-to-day basis.”
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For last year's feature on Tebow, click here. | |
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Vinny Perretta - #19
College: Boise State University
Position: Wide Receiver
Year: Senior
Hometown: Encinitas, Calif.
Trivia:
•Threw the overtime touchdown pass in Boise State’s 2007 Fiesta Bowl upset win over Oklahoma |
Perretta on FCA's Impact:
“FCA has really helped me with my relationship with Christ. It is awesome to know that FCA cares enough about others to help guide them toward a closer relationship with God.”
FCA's Ken Lewis on Perretta:
“Vinny suffered a season-ending injury last season,and throughout that time he maintained such a Christ-like attitude. He looked to God for his strength. Because of that, he stayed positive and found his role as an encourager for the rest of the team.”
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Kyle Gingg - #44
College: Boise State University
Position: Linebacker
Year: Senior
Hometown: Phoenix, Ariz.
Trivia:
•Led the Broncos with 94 tackles in 2007
Additional
Boise State
Broncos:
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Gingg on FCA:
“It helps me refocus my priorities on what is really important in life. It’s a way to find peace.”
FCA's Ken Lewis on Gingg:
“Kyle leads by example. He competes at a high, consistent level each game. He is an intense competitor and represents Christ well as he competes.”
Kellen Moore - #11
Position: Quarterback
Year: Redshirt Freshman
Hometown: Prosser, Wash.
Trivia: 2008 Boise State starting quarterback
Richie Brockel - #40
Position: Tight End
Year: Junior
Hometown: Phoenix, Ariz.
Trivia: Named to the 2007 All-WAC academic team |
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Demiko Goodman - #85
College: University of Georgia
Position: Split End
Year: Senior
Hometown: Newnan, Ga.
Trivia:
•Also a sprinter on Georgia's track and field team |
Goodman on FCA
:
“It has given me the opportunity to meet and fellowship with other Christian athletes from different sports, which I love, because we have learned a lot from each other and have impacted each others’ lives.”
FCA's Thomas Settles on Goodman:
“Demiko was grounded in his faith when he came to Georgia, so FCA has given him an opportunity to grow through discipleship.”
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Listen to a story
on the Bulldogs' mission trip to Honduras. | |
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Rennie Curran - #35
College: University of Georgia
Position: Linebacker
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Snellville, Ga.
Trivia:
•Early this season, The Sporting News called him “the most dominant defensive player in the game.”
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FCA's Thomas Settles on Curran:
“Rennie is a humble and gifted young man whose life is a reminder of the words of Christ in Luke 22:26 that the greatest among us will be servants.”
Curran on his faith:
“My faith reflects who I am, influences everything that I do and affects my overall outlook on life. I know that I would not be where I am today without blessings and favor from God.”
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Darrell Stuckey - #25
College: University of Kansas
Position: Defensive Back
Year: Redshirt Junior
Hometown: Kansas City, Kan.
Trivia:
•2007 honorable mention All-Big 12 |
FCA's Kevin Wade on Stuckey
:
“Darrell is what FCA is all about. The joy he has in everything he does, from playing football to helping lead the KU FCA on campus, comes from the love he has for Jesus Christ. As a starter on the team, Darrell has a wonderful platform, and he uses that to honor Christ.”
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To listen to Ron Brown's interview with Stuckey on Sharing the Victory Radio, click here. | |
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Edwin Williams - #60
College: University of Maryland
Position: Offensive Line
Year: Senior
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
Trivia:
•Entering 2008, had played in 36 straight games and started in 26 straight—the most of any offensive position
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FCA's Mark Stephens on Williams:
“The best thing about Edwin is that he is faithful. He is faithful to Christ, to the UMD FCA Huddle, to his team Bible study and to serving others.”
Williams on being a leader:
“As a senior, I feel like it is important to lead by example and take on a leadership role. I feel the need to bring this element to my team and the FCA Huddle, so I make a concerted effort to spark discussions and encourage others to join in.”
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Case Keenum - #7
College: University of Houston
Position: Quarterback
Year: Redshirt Sophomore
Hometown: Abilene, Texas
Trivia:
•Through eight games, was second in the nation with 376.0 passing yards per game |
Keenum on FCA
:
“FCA is definitely a weekly worship and Bible study that is needed and that keeps me going throughout the year. It is a solid resource for any student-athlete on any college campus.”
FCA's Mikado Hinson on Keenum:
“Case has been a breath of fresh air to the UH FCA ministry. He demonstrates undeniable character and integrity both on and off the field.”
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For last year's feature on Keenum, click here. | |
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Isaiah Thompson - #97
College: University of Houston
Position: Defensive Tackle
Year: Redshirt Sophomore
Hometown: Tatum, Texas
Trivia:
•Texas Class 3A first-team All-State selection in high school
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FCA's Mikado Hinson on Thompson:
“Isaiah really has the desire to see people saved, and I believe he’s made it his life’s mission to be a godly example to his teammates, coaches and friends.”
Thompson on FCA:
“I had given my life to Christ long before I came to college, but I just wasn’t walking the walk. FCA played a major role in helping me get my life back on the right track.”
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D.J. Wingate - #97
College: Marshall University
Position: Defensive Back
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Daytona Beach, Fla.
Trivia:
•Started the final three games of his true freshman season (2007) |
FCA's Tim Stephens on Wingate:
"I've seen D.J.'s faith grow tremendously since he arrived on Marshall's campus. One of the greatest aspects of D.J.'s faith is not just his willingness to share it, but his enthusiasm for sharing it. We've had D.J. speak to kids at schools and he doesn't just lecture. He gets out there with the kids and shows them that being a Christian is a fun, cool life. D.J. lives his faith on and off the field, in and out of our Huddle and applies God's Word to his daily life while showing others how to do the same. He remembers He is a child of the King and conducts himself as such no matter the situation."
Wingate on challenges to his faith:
"The thing that has challenged my faith tremendously is the adversity of my mother fighting breast cancer. I responded to this challenge by learning that the Lord's Will will be done. I just trust in the Lord with all my heart and let him take care of it. All my faith is in Him."
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Kayne Farquharson - #82
College: University of Miami
Position: Wide Receiver
Year: Senior
Hometown: Homestead, Fla.
Trivia:
•Didn't play high school football, but was discovered at a year-round FCA football camp in Miami |
Farquharson on FCA's impact on his life:
“Without the FCA Camp, I would not have a college degree or be attending the University of Miami and working on a second degree. And without God, none of this would be possible.”
FCA's Noah Wilbanks on Farquharson:
“Kayne is a leader and has been since day one. He is very vocal, and he backs up his talk.”
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Chase Patton - #14
College: University of Missouri
Position: Quarterback
Year: Senior
Hometown: Columbia, Mo.
Trivia:
•As a backup in 2007, Patton saw action in 10 games.
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FCA's Scott Ashton on Patton
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“Chase’s identity is not found on the field in wins and losses; it’s found in Christ, and that permeates everything he’s about.”
Patton on growing closer to God in a backup role:
“I realize that if something happened to [starting quarterback Chase Daniel], I’d have to be ready to step up. But, at the same time, it looks like I might be a backup for the rest of my career. Because of that, I’ve really gotten to grow in the Lord and lean on Him and rely on Him for my joy and my hope.”
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For a more in-depth Q&A with Patton, click here. | |
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Eric Peterman - #10
College: Northwestern University
Position: Wide Receiver
Year: Senior
Hometown: Sherman, Ill.
Trivia:
•2007 Team Co-MVP |
Peterman on faith and football
:
“There is more to this game than just winning and losing. It’s about praising and glorifying the one and only Jesus Christ. It’s about showing love for God and spreading the good news of the risen Savior!”
FCA's Jere Johnson on Peterman:
“E-Pete has a deep love for the Lord. He is a catalyst that makes his team better in life and in football.”
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To read last year's feature on
Northwestern QB Mike Kafka, click here. | |
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Amado Villarreal - #96
College: Northwestern University
Position: Kicker
Year: Senior
Hometown: Englewood, Colo.
Trivia:
•Led the team in points scored in 2007
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FCA's Jere Johnson on Villarreal:
“I have seen God use Amado to make a huge difference in the lives of many of his teammates as he shares his faith and lives it out daily. He is a great example of what it means to be a Christian athlete.”
Villarreal on being a walk-on:
“In my redshirt sophomore year, I sat out completely after playing in a few games the previous year. I learned a lot from that year on the sidelines, most importantly that Christ is who I am playing for and no one else.”
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James Laurinaitis - #33
College: Ohio State University
Position: Linebacker
Year: Senior
Hometown: Hamel, Minn.
Trivia:
•2007 Butkus Award winner, first-team AP All-American and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year |
Laurinaitis on the blessings of fellowship:
“Fellowship has played a huge role in helping me grow in my faith. It has also given me one of my greatest passions outside of football, which is reading my Bible.”
FCA's Joel Penton on Laurinaitis:
“Despite all of the awards and attention and recognition he receives for playing football, it’s obvious that the No. 1 thing in James’ life is his relationship with Christ.”
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Marcus Freeman - #1
College: Ohio State University
Position: Linebacker
Year: Senior
Hometown: Huber Heights, Ohio
Trivia:
•Earned second-team All-Big Ten honors in 2007
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FCA's Joel Penton on Freeman:
“Marcus understands the platform he has been given. He is passionate about using it to tell others about Christ.”
Freeman on the challenges of college:
"I could’ve easily followed the wrong path. Instead, I focused on what I knew was right, got involved in FCA and remembered what my parents told me: ‘When challenges are all around you, you gotta dig deep and do what you know is right.’”
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Ricky Price - #6
College: Oklahoma State University
Position: Defensive Back
Year: Senior
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Trivia:
•Converted from wide receiver to defensive back prior to the 2008 season |
Price's favorite verse:
Matthew 5:16 (TNIV) – “...Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
FCA's John Talley on Price:
“Ricky always invites kids to FCA. He goes out to schools and speaks, shares his testimony, and tells kids to stay out of trouble and make good decisions.”
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Quinton Moore - #26
College: Oklahoma State University
Position: Safety
Year: Senior
Hometown: Pearland, Texas
Trivia:
•Prominent member of the Cowboy defensive secondary who played in all 13 games in 2007
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FCA's John Talley on Moore:
“Quinton has gone out to many schools and churches to share his faith. He’ll knock you out on the football field and then tell you about Jesus.”
Moore on FCA:
“FCA has helped me stay prayed-up and keep God as the top priority in my life. And if FCA wasn’t around, our football team would not be as close.”
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Gerald McCoy - #93
College: University of Oklahoma
Position: Defensive Tackle
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Oklahoma City
Trivia:
•2007 Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and honorable mention All-Big 12 |
McCoy on FCA:
“It gives me a place to let everything from the world go. It’s a place where nobody judges you, and there are a bunch of people who are after God’s own heart.”
FCA's Kent Bowles on McCoy:
“Gerald loves being around people and doesn’t shy away from being the kind of leader that you really want someone in his position to be. As our [FCA] president, he is a really solid Christian leader.”
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Jason Cook - #44
College: University of Mississippi
Position: Fullback
Year: Senior
Hometown: Suwanee, Ga.
Trivia:
•Scored on a fake field goal during Ole Miss' near upset of Alabama
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FCA's Jonathan Rainey on Cook:
“Jason is very sound biblically and has a passion to know the Word. He is actually trying to teach himself Greek so that he can understand the New Testament better.”
Cook on FCA's Impact:
“FCA has molded me into who I am. Being around other studentathletes and being around my chaplain, (FCA’s) Jonathan Rainey, has given me not only a platform, but a lot of true friends. It’s radically transformed my life.”
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Moe Brown - #9
College: University of South Carolina
Position: Wide Receiver
Year: Junior
Hometown: Anderson, S.C.
Trivia:
•Earned the Carolina Hustle Award for the offense during 2008 spring drills |
FCA's Frank Hester on Brown:
“Moe is outspoken about his faith. He truly has a servant’s heart and wants everyone he meets to know the same Jesus he knows.”
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Ryan Succop - #14
College: University of South Carolina
Position: Punter / Kicker
Year: Senior
Hometown: Hickory, N.C.
Trivia:
•2007 AP honorable mention All-SEC
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FCA's Frank Hester on Succop:
“Ryan is steady and consistent on and off the field. He loves the Lord and gives Him all the credit for his talent and success. Ryan really tries to give back by speaking at local FCA Huddles and churches and by visiting sick children in the hospital.”
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Andy Dalton - #14
College: Texas Christian University
Position: Quarterback
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Katy, Texas
Trivia:
•Set TCU single-season record holder for completions (222) and attempts (371) as a freshman |
Dalton on the role faith plays in his life and sports:
“I try to show everyone that I’m a Christian through everything I do. It can be when you’re scoring a touchdown and pointing up to God saying, ‘That’s for You; You give me the ability,’ or just talking to teammates.”
FCA's Toby Trotter on Dalton:
“Andy desires to grow deep with the Lord in his private study. He has joy in life, and his positive attitude in leading the team shows that joy.”
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Colt McCoy - #12
College: University of Texas
Position: Quarterback
Year: Junior
Hometown: Tuscola, Texas
Trivia:
•2006 National Freshman of the Year (The Sporting News)
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McCoy on his influence on fans
:
“I just try to be myself—a person people can look up to. I’m not perfect, but at the same time, I know they watch the Longhorns play on TV. I enjoy being able to be a positive influence.”
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For last year's feature on McCoy, click here. | |
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Chris Hall - #71
College: University of Texas
Position: Offensive Line
Year: Junior
Hometown: Irving, Texas
Trivia:
•Started at least one game at all five positions along the offensive line in 2007 before settling at center in 2008 |
Hall on the opportunity to witness:
“No matter where believers are, they have an opportunity to express the Lord in their daily living. Even in the times when they don’t have the opportunity to speak, people will see Christ in their daily living.”
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John Gold - #47
College: University of Texas
Position: Punter
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Palestine, Texas
Trivia:
•Received Provost Award for 4.0 GPA in spring 2008 |
Gold on FCA:
“FCA has been really good for me. Just to be able to fellowship with all of the believers and meet some really awesome people has challenged me to get excited about my faith.”
UT FCA's Chris Snapp on McCoy, Hall and Gold:
“Texas is so big with hundreds of campus ministries. These guys are seeing the influence they have at UT on campus. They get that vision that they are going to have the best chance to influence people through FCA.”
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Stephen McGee - #12
College: Texas A&M University
Position: Quarterback
Year: Senior
Hometown: Burnet, Texas
Trivia:
•2007 honorable mention All-Big 12
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For last year's feature on McGee, click here. | |
McGee on going to Texas A&M:
“I know that God called me to Texas A&M to fulfill His will, and in that I find great peace knowing there is no greater calling than to serve God. He has allowed me to go through many difficult and challenging situations to grow my faith and my character as a man."
FCA's Bill Johnston on McGee:
"Stephen is a courageous leader who has had a huge impact on his teammates and coaches. His faithfulness to help lead his team bibles study, commitment to his church and service in FCA has encouraged my faith more than he knows. He has spent his career at A&M pouring out his life for others on the field as well as throughout the state of Texas. His character is proven and he knows his role and he walks in it daily. God brought him here for a purpose and no one knows that better than Stephen himself."
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Craig Raschke - #69
College: Texas A&M University
Position: Offensive Line
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Brownwood, Texas
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Raschke on his relationship with God:
"God provides all the love and acceptance I will ever need. Even though I had turned my back on God [for a moment in my life], He was still there racing after me to show me unmerited favor in the gift of GRACE. I rely on Him for everything. He has placed men in my life who encourage me in my relationship with Christ and help me in maintaining a lifestyle that glorifies Him."
FCA's Bill Johnston on Raschke:
"Craig is faithfully serving as one of the Co-Captains of our A&M FCA Huddle. He has a heart of selfless service and has worked camps and given countless hours to serve his school and community. Craig is always there when asked to serve and ready to give testimony to what God has done in his life. Lives are being changed because of his faithfulness." |
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Ryan Tannehill - #17
College: Texas A&M University
Position: Quarterback
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Big Spring, Texas
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Tannehill on God blessing his life:
"God has continuously showed his grace and love in my life. Have things always been easy and gone the way I want them to? No, but that is part of life. God is forgiving, loving, and caring. We are here on this Earth to worship and serve Him, and it is only through Him that I am able to carry on the wonderful life that I have today."
FCA's Bill Johnston on Tannehill:
"Ryan is a great quarterback and was willing to do whatever it took to help his team. He moved to receiver and has proven to everyone what an outstanding and versatile athlete he is. His selfless service to his team has shown us a great picture of what it looks like to put God’s Glory and others above himself."
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David Johnson - #5
College: University of Tulsa
Position: Quarterback
Year: Senior
Hometown: Portland, Ore.
Trivia:
•Led the nation in passing efficiency through eight games in 2008 |
Johnson on using football for Christ
:
“I use football as a way to minister to other people. It is not about me or my pride or what I can do; it is about what God can do through me.”
FCA's Chris Kaiser on Johnson:
“David has become more excited about his faith and goes and shares his witness with FCA Huddles. It is fun to watch how grounded he is in his faith.”
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To listen to Ron Brown's interview with Johnson on Sharing the Victory Radio, click here. | |
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Brennan Marion - #4
College: University of Tulsa
Position: Wide Receiver
Year: Senior
Hometown: Greensburg, Pa.
Trivia:
•His 31.9 average yards per catch led the nation and broke a 30-year-old NCAA single-season record in 2007.
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FCA's Chris Kaiser on Marion:
“Brennan’s presence alone influences others. He always stays humble about where his talents and gifts come from, and he points that back to God.”
Marion on the testing of his faith:
“I had a rough struggle getting to Tulsa. I went to four different high schools and lived in a lot of rough parts of town. I struggled in my faith at first because I felt there was no escape. But the Lord has been looking out for me and making sure I made it. I have faith that God brought me here for a reason.”
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Adam Goodman - #45
College: University of Southern California
Position: Fullback
Year: Redshirt Junior
Hometown: Huntington Beach, Calif.
Trivia:
•Wife, Jessica, is on staff with Orange County FCA |
Goodman on growing stronger through tough times:
“Before coming to USC, I tore my ACL. It was a pretty down time for me, and I was questioning God. But through that time, I realized I had two options: I could be frustrated and upset about it, or I could just give it up to God and trust that He had a plan for me. I chose to give it up to Him, and He was so faithful and worked things out, even opening the doors for me to come to USC.”
FCA's Barry Martinez on Goodman:
“What makes Adam a strong witness is that he lives out his faith. He has stood firm and walked the walk even in the face of temptations.”
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Damian Williams - #18
College: University of Southern California
Position: Wide Receiver
Year: Redshirt Sophomore
Hometown: Springdale, Ark.
Trivia:
•Emerging as USC's top wide receiver in 2008 after transferring from Arkansas
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FCA's Barry Martinez on Williams:
“Damian Williams walks the walk. He is new to the program, but, as one of our top wide receivers, he has a chance to influence many by professing his faith on a national level.”
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Robbie Boyer - #49
College: University of Southern California
Position: Wide Receiver
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Newport Beach, Calif.
Trivia:
•Newcomer to the Trojans in 2008, attended Mater Dei high school (alums include Matt Leinart and Colt Brennan) |
Boyer on living out his faith:
“I try my best to let my faith shine and be a huge part of anything I do. All of my gifts, talents, and abilities are given to me by God, and it is my job to simply bring God glory through using what He has given me to the very utmost of my ability. I want my faith to be evident in everything I do, whether in the classroom, on the football field, or just in my everyday life. I do my best to always represent Christ and what he stands for."
FCA's Barry Martinez on Boyer:
"He is another kid that believes the Lord has him at Southern Cal for a reason. He wants to live out his faith and wants to be used by the Lord here on campus."
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Dan Cline - #90
College: Western Kentucky University
Position: Defensive Line
Year: Senior
Hometown: Centerville, Ohio
Trivia:
•Selected to the 2007 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District IV first team |
Cline on FCA's impact on his faith:
"Our strength coach [my freshman year], David Abernathy, recommended that I come to FCA and he gave me my own FCA Bible. It was the first Bible that I had ever owned and before he gave it to me, he had me read and understand the FCA Competitor's Creed. Ever since then, my relationship with Christ has taken off. Through FCA, I have gained an everlasting connection with Christ that cannot be shaken. I often share my story with incoming freshmen to try encourage them to not only join FCA, but to connect with Christ like they never have before."
FCA's Andrew Hammond on Cline:
"Dan has a great heart and jumps at every opportunity to share what God has done in his life whether it be our character development programs with high school teams, high school FCA meetings, or a community event." |
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Mike Dent - #68
College: West Virginia University
Position: Offensive Line
Year: Redshirt Senior
Hometown: Jeannette, Pa.
Trivia:
•Awarded the Coaches' Contribution Award in spring 2008 |
Dent on FCA:
“FCA has allowed me to join a group of fellow athletes who share my beliefs. And, as a man, it has allowed me to take the knowledge of my faith home to share with my family and friends.”
FCA's Josh Sonoga on Dent:
“Mike has made some amazing stances for Christ by choosing friends and making choices to not only say he is a Christian, but to walk as a Christian.”
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John Stokes - #49
College: Vanderbilt University
Position: Linebacker
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Memphis, Tenn.
Trivia:
•One of the three true freshmen to see action in every game in 2007 for the Commodores
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FCA volunteer Lance Brown on Stokes:
“John Stokes has really stepped up his spiritual leadership this year on the team. He is in the Word, and that is evident to his teammates.”
Stokes on the challenges of college:
“Coming to college, you get a lot of different ideas of what is right and good and fun. Just being in that new environment did so much to grow me and force me into owning my faith for myself and not just believing something because it was what my parents believed.”
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Jared Hawkins - #31
College: Vanderbilt University
Position: Running Back
Year: Redshirt Junior
Hometown: Spring, Texas
Trivia:
•Led the Commodores in rushing yards through eight games in 2008 |
Hawkins on his faith and football:
“I have always tried to make sure that God is in the center of football. I know He has given me the ability to play, and I want to make sure that I can glorify Him with everything I do.”
FCA volunteer Lance Brown on Hawkins:
“Jared is a spiritual leader on the team. He is soft-spoken, but when he speaks, the team listens because what he says is backed up by how he lives.”
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Reshard Langford - #33
College: Vanderbilt University
Position: Safety
Year: Redshirt Senior
Hometown: Tanner, Ala.
Trivia:
•2008 Vanderbilt Team Captain
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FCA volunteer Lance Brown on Langford:
“Resard has grown in his faith since coming to Vanderbilt. It's great to have someone who has grown up spiritually in his time here, and he is now not just a leader on the team, but a spiritual leader as well."
Langford on FCA:
"It's a place for me to go and learn more about Christ and be around people who worship Him."
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Dustin Pickle - #35
College: Virginia Tech University
Position: Running Back
Year: Senior
Hometown: Salem, Va.
Trivia:
•Honored as VT's top offensive hustler during 2008 offseason and spring workouts |
Pickle on the challenges of witnessing:
“I have always been involved in telling other Christians and non-Christians about my faith. The challenge comes in approaching non-believers who disagree with your beliefs. When confronted with questions and rejections from others, I ask the Lord to give me the right things to say. I ask Christ to use me as His vessel and pray that He takes the situation and blesses the outcome.”
FCA's Johnny Shelton on Pickle:
“Dustin realizes that his platform to play football is huge. He is a solid kid and definitely a Zachariah in his teammates’ lives. They go to him because they know he is walking the walk.”
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Kendrick Stewart - #56
College: Florida State University
Position: Defensive Tackle
Year: Redshirt Junior
Hometown: Lakeland, Fla.
Trivia:
•One of the Seminoles' top returning defensive linemen - recorded career highs in almost every statistical category in 2007 |
Christian Ponder - #7
College: Florida State University
Position: Quarterback
Year: Redshirt Sophomore
Hometown: Colleyville, Texas
Trivia:
•The Seminoles' 2008 spring practice offensive MVP earned his undergrad degree in just two and a half years and is currently working on an MBA.
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Graham Gano - #43
College: Florida State University
Position: Kicker/Punter
Year: Senior
Hometown: Pensacola, Fla.
Trivia:
• Handles all kicking duties -punter and placekicker- for the Seminoles. 2008 Blue Ribbon All-ACC preseason team selection |
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Austin Davis - #12
College: University of Southern Mississippi
Position: Quarterback
Year: Redshirt Freshman
Hometown: Meridian, Miss.
Trivia:
•In just his first season as Southern Miss' starting quarterback, he became the single-season completions record holder. |
FCA's James Cochran on Davis:
“On the field or off, he’s a guy that leads by example. He is a guy who is just willing to do whatever. If we need him for anything he is just open to be used as part of the leadership team or leading small group studies. That is just the type of guy he is. And he is always giving God the glory."
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--For more stories about faith and sport, visit www.sharingthevictory.com, the official magazine of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. To subscribe to STV, click here.
Additional photos and logos courtesy of Kent Gidley/Alabama Media Relations, The Ohio State Department of Athletics, Dale Sparks, WVU Media Relations, Florida State University Media Relations, Jack Duggan.
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