#15 Tim Tebow
University of Florida
Height: 6-3 Weight: 235
Year: So. Hometown: Jacksonville, Fla.
Trivia: Earned Freshman All-SEC honors after leading the Gators to a BCS National Championship in 2006.
Impact Verse: Psalm 18

Tim Tebow on…
...FCA: “FCA helps you minister to people. Sometimes if you are sharing with someone and you ask them to go to church with you, they might say no, but if you say you are going to FCA, that could be easier and less threatening for them. Plus, I like not having to wait from Sunday to Sunday for church—I can get that spiritual impact on a Wednesday or a Thursday night.” …what makes a good leader: “Knowing your responsibility and working as hard as you possibly can—harder than anybody else. Let everybody see that. And then know everyone else’s responsibility and encourage them in it.”

…learning humility: “When I was very young and in T-ball, my parents would never let me tell anyone how many home runs I’d hit. At that age, I wanted to be like, ‘I just hit three home runs!’ But I wasn’t allowed to say that until the other person asked me. Then, when I was older, I learned that God blessed me with athletic ability and that He can take it away in an instant. I’m thankful for it. Just because I play football doesn’t make me more special than anyone else.”

…football as a ministry: “I think anything can be a ministry, especially football when you have a platform. You have 100 guys in the locker room with you every day. But more importantly than that, you have 1,000 kids looking up to you and even more people all across the country. You have the opportunity and the platform, and to not take advantage of that would be a big mistake.”

…what he wants others to take away from watching you on the field: “First, that I am not out there playing for myself. I love the game but I am playing for the Lord Jesus Christ. I am going out there, loving the game and giving everything I’ve got, and hopefully they can see through me the love of Christ.”

…how Christ’s example plays a role in how he leads his team: “Christ was the best leader; so you can learn everything about leadership from Him, seeing how He died on the cross and applying it to your life in every aspect. Also, not just in leadership, but how you interact with people. Teammates don’t just see you as someone who is getting on them, but as someone who loves and cares about them on and off the field.”

FCA Perspective: “Timmy knows the responsibility he has both as a Christian and as a role model. He understands that people will follow what he does, and he takes that very seriously. He does a great job of leading and setting an example both on and off the field.”           
  – Robby Tebow, FCA Area Representative, Northeast Florida

#12 Paul Smith
University of Tulsa
Height: 6-2 Weight: 193
Year: Sr. Hometown: Owasso, Okla.
Trivia: This season, Smith ranks in the top 10 among Division-I quarterbacks in passing yards and touchdowns.
Impact Verse: Proverbs 21:31

Paul Smith on…
…what makes a good quarterback: “Having character. You can’t be wishy-washy or inconsistent. Whether you’re a Christian or not, that’s something that is demanded of the position if you want to have the most respect from your teammates and coaches, and also of yourself.”

…toughness: “I’m not the biggest quarterback in college football, and because of that, I try to play as tough as and as physical as possible. And I think that’s something that can be related to Christ’s life. He went through way more than we’ll ever understand. And when you put things in perspective, we as football players have a great life. Whether we’re able to get up after a big hit
or not, we’re still truly blessed just to be here and have the opportunity. Knowing what Christ went through for us puts those big hits in perspective. The big hits we take are minimal in comparison to what He took.”

…what makes a good quarterback: “Having character. That’s something that the team has to see. You can’t be wishy-washy or inconsistent. Whether you’re a Christian or not, that’s something that is demanded of the position if you want to have the most respect from your teammates and coaches, and also of yourself.”

…pride: “At this point in my life I’m not very prideful, but it’s something that I’ve had to deal with in the past. I take joy in playing well and performing well, but I feel more mature than I have been at any other point in my life. I’m able to handle success better. I realize that I can either be humble or let God humble me, and I certainly don’t want that to happen, so I try to stay even-keeled.”

FCA Perspective: “I have worked with hundreds of college athletes in my 16 years with FCA, and I have never worked with a more disciplined, organized, servant-minded and spiritually mature athlete than Paul Smith. He is an amazing all-around Christian athlete who is storing far more treasures in Heaven than any awards, records or accolades here on earth.”         
   – Chris Kaiser, FCA Area Director, Northeast Oklahoma

#12 Colt McCoy
University of Texas
Height: 6-3 Weight: 205
Year: So. Hometown: Tuscola, Texas
Trivia: Was named the National Freshman of the Year by The Sporting News and the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2006.
Impact Verse: Colossians 3:23

Colt McCoy on…
…what makes a good quarterback: “There are a lot of characteristics that are important for a quarterback. I think one that he can stand by is his faith. His faith needs to grow every day. Being able to stand strong and face trials and temptations and know that your focus is on God will really help you.”

…the role God plays in his life: “He plays a big role in my life, not just on the football field, but off the field. Keeping Him number one is my main focus.”

…how he stays focused on Christ: “I go to team Bible studies, I attend FCA, and I go to church on Sundays. Being able to have people on my team and people outside of the football team to talk with and have Bible studies with really helps me in my walk.”

…FCA: “The Fellowship of Christian Athletes has played a big role in my life, and I think that it is going to continue to grow and affect the lives of many other athletes.”

FCA Perspective: “Colt recognizes his platform and uses it for Christ. He is thoroughly convinced and convicted that he wants to use his platform as the quarterback at UT—probably one of the highest positions in the state of Texas—to talk about Christ. He’s made that very plain to me. He’s the real deal.” 
   – Ben Johnson, FCA Area Director, Heart of Texas

#10 Erik Ainge
University of Tennessee
Height: 6-6 Weight: 220
Year: Sr. Hometown: Hillsboro, Ore.
Trivia: Ainge set a UT season record for completion percentage (67.0) in 2006.
Impact Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6

Erik Ainge on…
…what makes a good quarterback: “Being genuine, being yourself. The guys are going to respect you more for being yourself than they are if you try to change who you are to be a team leader or the rah-rah guy if that’s not you. You have to be yourself, and that will come out.”

…handling pride: “The way to handle pride is by humbling yourself. That’s all over the Bible, and it’s something I’ve always taken from my readings. I understand that I had nothing to do with my
having a strong arm. I was born with it. I think realizing where it all came from is the important thing.”

…FCA’s James Mitchell, UT chaplain: “Pastor Mitch really knows what we go through every day, what we battle and what’s hard for us. He understands what can help us. He’s always asking, ‘What did you read today? Are you going to church this weekend? FCA tonight?’ Plus, he’s a good outlet anytime you want to talk.”

FCA Perspective: “Erik and I meet one-on-one, and he goes to church with me. He’s consistent. He and his girlfriend come to Bible study on Monday nights. Being the quarterback, he’s naturally in a leadership role, anyway. But the thing that’s been so fun about him is that he’s matured in his walk with Christ from the time he got here as a freshman until where he is now. His maturity level has really grown.”
  – James Mitchell, FCA Campus Director, University of Tennessee


 Additional QB's From Across The Country
 
#9 Ben Mauk
University of Cincinnati
Height: 6-1 Weight: 200
Year: rs-Sr.
Hometown: Kenton, Ohio
Trivia: Mauk transferred from Wake Forrest to Cincinnati in 2007 after missing most of last season due to a broken right arm and dislocated shoulder.
Impact Verse: Psalm 37:4

Ben Mauk on…
…lessons learned through injury: “I relate going through my injury to the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. Sometimes when you go through the fire, God decides to reveal to you that He is God, not just by delivering you from the fire, but by joining you in the fire. It wasn’t like one day I was miraculously healed and got back on the field. I sought Christ through it, and He was always there with me. I do consider being back on the field a miracle—if you had.

…staying focused on Christ: “I’ve had a lot of injuries, and I have a lot of metal in my body: 16 screws and two plates in my right arm. I’ve been through a lot, so I realize that football is going to end someday. I just focus on laying my treasures up in Heaven. All these awards you see on earth, you can’t carry with you. To lay your treasures up in heaven with God is much more meaningful.”

FCA Perspective:
“Last year, Ben was supposed to have his breakout year. Even though he had a season-ending injury in his first game, he still wanted to know God’s plan through it. He looked for opportunities to grow spiritually despite how bad it hurt him to sit out the season.”
– Mark Senter, FCA Area Representative, Western Triad North Carolina

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#7 Kinsmon Lancaster
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Height: 5-11 Weight: 202
Year: Jr.
Hometown: Shreveport, La.
Trivia: He was second in the Sun Belt Conf. in 2006 with 2,122 yds. total offense.
Impact Verse: Philippians 4:13

Kinsmon Lancaster on…
…what makes a good quarterback: “Leading by example. Before you can lead you’ve got to be able to follow, be able to take direction and be able to relay what’s being taught to you.”

…being in the spotlight and handling pride: “Sometimes you just can’t listen to what people say. You just have to be able to take the criticism and use it positively. Just stay modest and humble and work to get better everyday.”

…FCA: “We have FCA every Thursday. I’ve been involved since my freshman year. It’s good having our position coach, Coach Jonas Weatherbie, over it. He makes sure all of the quarterbacks are there every week. It’s very important. Other athletes can relate to other athletes. It’s always good hearing from your peers because you feel like you can relate to them more.”

FCA Perspective:
“Kinsmon Lancaster exudes the Christian leadership qualities that are lacking on most campuses across America.”
– Jonas Weatherbie, FCA Campus Director, ULM.
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#14 John Parker Wilson
University of Alabama
Height: 6-2 Weight: 213
Year: Junior
Hometown: Hoover, Ala.
Trivia: In 2006, Wilson set a school record with nine 200-yard games.
Impact verse: Colossians 3:23

John Parker Wilson on…
…the power of influence: “I have 1,000 kids watching everything I do. A mom wrote me a letter a few weeks ago saying that her son saw me hugging and kissing my mom before the game, and now he will give her a hug. Before, he thought it was uncool. It is things like that—you don’t even know you’re influencing people’s lives, whether it is positive or negative.”

FCA Perspective:
“I’ve seen John Parker grow in leaps and bounds since his freshman year. His faith has really become personal to him. He owns his faith and lives it out in a great way.”
– Gary Cramer, FCA Area Representative, University of Alabama
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 #13 Mike Kafka
Northwestern University
Height: 6-3 Weight: 220
Year: rs-So.
Hometown: Chicago, Ill.
Impact Verse: Psalm 27

Mike Kafka on…
…good leadership: “Good leadership is hard to define. Some people lead more by example, and some people speak out and show their emotions through interacting with others. I think it is their own personality. Not everyone is made to yell and get people motivated, but they might lead by actions. I think they are both powerful ways of leading.”

FCA Perspective:
“Mike is a great young man who is a wonderful teammate. He pushes his teammates to be better and challenges them to become all they can be. He constantly continues to work out his faith and live it out. Mike is a blessing to his team and school.”
–Jere Johnson FCA Area Director Chicago, Ill.
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#7 Stephen McGee
Texas A&M University
Height: 6-3 Weight: 220
Year: Jr.
Hometown: Burnet, Texas
Trivia: McGee is one of the nation’s top dual-threat quarterbacks with over 2,100 passing yards and more than 600 rushing yards.
Impact Verse: Hebrews 12:1-2

Stephen McGee on…
…speaking at FCA events and sharing his faith: “Being able to encourage and love on other people is what we’re called to do. And sharing your faith with others can be encouraging to them because they get to see that you go through the same struggles they do. You never know who is listening and who will take it to heart.”

…renewing and protecting his mind: “It’s great to have a quiet time, getting in God’s Word and praying and seeing what God wants to teach you. It’s so important just to spend time with the Lord and get away from the worldly distractions.”

FCA Perspective:
“Stephen is a courageous leader who has had a huge impact on his teammates and coaches. His faithfulness to his team Bible study, his church and to FCA has encouraged my faith more than he knows. His character is proven, and he knows his role and walks in it daily.”
– Bill Johnston, FCA Area Director, Brazos Valley
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#11 Tim Bessolo
Sacramento State University
Height: 6-4 Weight: 230
Year: Senior
Hometown: Lakewood, Calif.
Trivia: Bessolo has attended four different colleges and been involved with FCA at each.
Impact Verse: Isaiah 40:31

Tim Bessolo on…
...work ethic: “I want people to know that I play all-out on the field. And even off the field, like when I am in the office working on campus or when I am doing school work, that what I do will be to the best of my ability. Because ultimately that goes back to Christian principles. God calls us to do the best we can at everything we do, because that is pleasing to Him.”

…football as a ministry: “Through athletics, you are able to talk to people in the community, and through that you are able to let people see the light of Christ in you. You don’t have to be out there preaching every day, but you can live a Christ-like life. And that has an impact and can affect people’s lives.”

…FCA: “There are always highs and lows in athletics, and it is nice to have a break and look at the things that are really important. And that is ultimately your relationship with Christ. That is a big part of why I love FCA so much. It gives you that time to come to a Bible study with fellow athletes who are also Christians who have those same passions in life that you do.”

FCA Perspective:
“Tim Bessolo is one of my favorite college athletes of all time. He uses the platform God gave
him as a quarterback as well as anyone I know. I can’t wait to see where God chooses to use
Tim after college.”
– Joe Broussard, FCA Regional Director, Central Valley California
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#16 Karsten Sween
University of Wyoming
Height: 6-2 Weight: 204
Year: So.
Hometown: Inyokern, Calif.
Trivia: Sween is married. He and his wife, Alex, both attend FCA.
Impact Verse: Matthew 6:33

Karsten Sween on…
…what I want fans to see in me: “That I play for God and that my focus is to glorify Him. During one of our games this season I threw four picks. It was a really rough game, but I don’t let those things rattle me. The whole time I kept saying, ‘God, I need strength; I need help.’ It is easy to give God praise or credit after a win, but harder when the game is rough. Even though I didn’t do well, I had to keep focusing, asking God for His strength and confidence. We ended up winning by one point.”

…what makes a good quarterback: “I think conviction. It is pretty rough being in a Division-I locker room. A lot of guys talk about wrong things. I don’t participate in those conversations, and they know where I stand. If they ask me my opinion, I will give it to them. I think that is the biggest thing: the guys know where I stand. It is faith, family and then football, and I think that speaks volumes.”

 …FCA: “FCA is huge, for both me and my wife, Alex. It is like church in the middle of the week. My first year of football was rough. I second-guessed everything I was doing. I was depressed, and it was a really tough year for both me and Alex. But those Wednesdays were so encouraging and uplifting, and they helped us get through the week. Now we have Monday night FCA Bible studies called ‘Winning God’s Way,’ which is geared specifically toward athletes.”

FCA Perspective:
“From the time Karsten arrived at the University of Wyoming he has been eager to grow in his faith and set a positive example. Now, as a sophomore, he is one of the spiritual leaders on the team. He is special player for the Cowboys, and it has been encouraging to see how teachable and hungry he is to learn about God’s Word and about living his life in a way that honors Christ.”
– Aaron Frude, FCA Area Representative, Southeast Wyoming
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#17 Nick Hill
Southern Illinois University
Height: 6-3 Weight: 210
Class: Sr.
Hometown: DeQuoin, Ill.
Trivia: Played basketball instead of football at Western Kentucky in 2003 before transferring to SIU.
Impact Verse: Mark 12:30

Nick Hill on…
…staying focused on Christ. “You can’t get caught up in the season, and you need to realize that you’re playing a game. Even though we’re all competitors, and our coaches demand so much, in the end you have to realize that it’s just a small piece of your life, and the main thing is being a Christian.”

…football as a ministry:
“I believe that God puts you in positions for a reason. When I got to SIU, FCA’s Roger Lipe would ask me to come and speak to different FCA Camps and other things. That’s when I realized that I could reach young kids. I’m a local kid, and I grew up in Carbondale, Ill.  A lot of kids know who I am, and when I go talk to kids about being a Christian, I think it helps them. I know God has put me in this position for a reason.”  

FCA Perspective:
“Nick is an outstanding leader who plays with a ton of poise. He has served very faithfully at every level of FCA here, and it’s been a joy to watch him grow and develop. I can’t wait to see what he becomes, whether he plays football professionally in the future or he becomes a teacher and a coach. I think he’s going to be very honorable to the Lord in either case.”
– Roger Lipe, FCA Area Representative, SIU Football Chaplain
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#7 Daniel Evans
North Carolina State University
Height: 6-2 Weight:191
Year: Jr.
Hometown: Raleigh, N.C.
Trivia: He leads the team Bible study and is one sibling in a set of quadruplets.
Impact Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7

Daniel Evans on…
…football as a ministry: “Anywhere we are is a ministry, and Division I football players are my window of opportunity. I feel like God doesn’t have me here necessarily to be a great football player, but He has me here because it is my platform to minister to the team and others who are influenced by football.”

…FCA: “Since coming to college, I have grown in leaps and bounds, especially though FCA. I have had the opportunity to become the leader for our team Bible study and our FCA group here, and I think that has been something that has encouraged me. FCA also provides fellowship with other believers who are going through the same thing I am on a daily basis. I don’t think you can put a price on that.”

FCA Perspective:
“Daniel has definitely grown in his faith over the last year, experiencing the highs and the lows of being the quarterback at NC State. He has a real understanding of the platform that the Lord has given him. I couldn’t be more proud of the strong stand Daniel has taken for Christ from the perspective of being team chaplain, FCA staffer, a former player at State, and as his father.”
– Johnny Evans, FCA Area Director, East Central North Carolina
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#14 Grant Throckmorton
Virginia Tech University
Height: 6-4 Weight: 237
Year: rs-Sr.
Hometown: Wytheville, Va.
Trivia: Throckmorton originally came to VT to play baseball.
Impact Verse: Colossians 3:23

Grant Throckmorton on…
…ministering to teammates: “Guys on the team know that I care about them, and they know that I’m not just here to play football; I’m here to build relationships. I’m here to help them grow in their faith. I’m not a starting quarterback, so I don’t think that God put me on this team to score touchdowns or win a national championship. I think God put me on this team to reach people.”

…football as a ministry: “I’ve never felt God use me as powerfully as He is right now with the guys on this team. I’ve had such a privilege to be a quarterback and be in the midst of all the guys: the receivers, the running backs, the linemen—and just to build relationships with them and to be able to talk to them, and for them to trust me and tell me their worries and what they’re struggling with. To allow me to sit down and share a Bible story with them. Or they’ll ask, ‘Grant, what’s the Word for the day? What’s going on today? Tell me. Let me hear something from you today.’ It’s been such a blessing to be on this team and to see God working.”

FCA Perspective:
“Grant is the spiritual giant on that team. He’s powerful. In terms of his spiritual maturity, he’s the one. If you ask any of the players on the team, his name will come up.”
– Johnny Shelton, FCA Campus Ditector, Virginia Tech University
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#1 Josh Freeman
Kansas State University
Height: 6-6 Weight: 250
Year: So.
Hometown:Grandview, Mo.
Trivia: He has been attending FCA Camp for years, and his father, Ron Freeman, is a former FCA staff member.
Impact Verse: Matthew 11:12

Josh Freeman on…
…qualities of a good quarterback: “Leadership is probably the most important thing. If you are taking care of business on the field, in the classroom and in your life, and you are able to lead on the football field, then that makes a complete player.”

…role of faith in football: “My faith really keeps me focused off the field, as far as temptations and what I should and shouldn’t do. When things don’t go right on the field, or if I am in a little bit of a funk, I can pray to God and ask Him for help.”

FCA Perspective:
“Josh Freeman and Carson Coffman grew up together in FCA Camps. Their fathers were involved with FCA. Now they’re on the same team in the same position, and their brotherly love and commitment to Jesus and the position He has put them in is unwavering.”
– Ralph Stewart, FCA Regional Director, South Central Region
(top)

#17 Greg McElroy
University of Alabama
Height: 6-3 Weight: 218
Year: Fr.
Hometown: Southlake, Texas
Impact Verse: Matthew 10:32-34

Greg McElroy on...
...accountability: “Accountability really shows who you are—what you do when no one else is looking. I think that says a lot about being a
leader, not necessarily just as a quarterback, but as a person.”

…pride: “I think that you always have to maintain the same attitude. So many people can get caught up in their own image and think that they are a lot better than they are. Lucky for me I have a bunch of friends who keep me humble. They are honest and let me know if I ever get a big head. Being a quarterback, especially at Alabama, you get put on a pedestal. It is hard to keep an even-keeled attitude, but FCA has really helped in that aspect.”

FCA Perspective:
“Greg made a commitment to Christ back in February at our FCA college advance. He had been toying with the idea of following Christ, but he’s so analytically minded—something that makes him a great quarterback—and there were just some analytical questions that he was wrestling through. But he realized that becoming a Christian wasn’t a blind leap of faith, and that Christianity was an incredible faith to have. Greg isn’t a half-way Christian, he is all the way. He is all over it and is growing everyday.”
– Gary Cramer, FCA Area Representative, University of Alabama
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#15 Blake Barnes
University of Georgia
Height: 6-3 Weight: 225
Year: Jr.
Hometown: Baldwyn, Miss.
Trivia: Barnes was the Gatorade Mississippi Player of the Year in 2002.
Impact Verse: Psalm 46:10

Blake Barnes on…
…football as a ministry: “Football as a ministry took over more when I came [to UGA]. This is just a different level; it’s a different kind of game. In my career, I haven’t been able to play much on the field, but I’ve seen ministry opportunities in being a witness to my teammates, sharing with them, inviting them to FCA events and helping them with Bible studies. That’s become more a part of my career than actually playing football.”

…staying focused on Christ and renewing and protecting his mind:
“The most important thing for me has been Scripture memorization. That’s one thing Chappy (FCA’s Kevin Hynes) and I worked on a lot—picking out verses that will help remind me that this is inevitably all about Christ. There’s so much more to life than what we see or know.”

FCA Perspective:
“Blake Barnes came to Georgia with big dreams and hopes of leading the Dawgs as our starting quarterback. His dreams may not have materialized as of yet, but he continues to seek the Lord and is still the spiritual leader on the team.”
– Kevin “Chappy” Hynes, FCA Campus Director, University of Georgia
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#7 Case Keenum
University of Houston
Height: 6-1 Weight: 205
Year: rs-Fr.
Hometown: Abilene, Texas
Trivia: His father is on staff with FCA in Abilene, Texas.
Impact Verse: Isaiah 40:31

Case Keenum on…
…relying on God:
“This year’s been a huge learning year for me on and off the field spiritually and physically. I have to rely on God for my strength. I can’t go in there every day and go all-out and still have something left for my quiet time. I can’t do that on my own, I have to rely on God’s strength for that. On the field and off the field, it’s not me who’s doing any of it. It’s God working through me.”

…game-day faith: “One thing I pray before every game is that no matter what happens, the most important thing is the light that I have that shines for Him. It’s not for my glory, it’s for His. What I’ve been talking with [FCA’s Mikado Hinson] about is that we have an Audience of One. I keep that in mind on the field.”

FCA Perspective:
“Case is great. His mentality is to play for the Audience of One. Ever since he made the decision to play for the Lord, he’s played with peace and confidence. I’m proud of him.”
– Mikado Hinson, FCA Campus Director, University of Houston
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#2 Jarod Bryant
U.S. Naval Academy
Height: 5-10 Weight: 185
Class: Jr.
Hometown: Hoover, Ala.
Trivia: Bryant has been a Huddle Leader at FCA’s Black Mountain Camp.
Impact Verse: 1 John 2:17

Jarod Bryant on…
…what he does to stay focused on Christ: “The big thing for me is getting in the Word. I believe what the Bible says to be true. You can’t look anywhere else. I can tell days I’m not in the Word, and I can tell days I am in the Word. To keep my mind and body fresh and desire the Lord, I have to stay in the Word.”

…the role God plays in his life on the field and on the sidelines: “This season I had a fumble in overtime that lost us a game. Afterward, I was talking to someone about how you bounce back from week to week. I said that for some people I’m sure it’s a lot harder, but because I have a Rock in my life that I can put my trust in, and I can go to the Word and find comfort, I know that the sun is going to rise the next morning. God loves me no matter what. There are bigger things in the world, and I’m blessed enough to play.”

FCA Perspective:
“He’s the kind of young man you’d not hesitate to let take your daughter out, because you know she’s going to come back as treasured as she was when she left. He’s the kind of young man you want your kids to grow up to be like.”
– Gary Cramer, FCA Area Representative, University of Alabama
(top)
#14 Carson Coffman
Kansas State University
Height: 6-3
Weight: 200
Year: rs-Fr.
Hometown: Peculiar, Mo.
Impact Verse: Philippians 4:13

Carson Coffman on...
…faith and football: “We have Bible studies Thursday after practice, and we try to invite most of the guys to it. Only some come but, it is a great opportunity with all the guys from different backgrounds to help them get to know the Lord.”

…FCA: “FCA keeps me on a straight and narrow path. It keeps me thinking about God. Sometimes it is hard with college—you are so busy with school and football. But when I go to FCA, it is a time for me to connect with God and connect with people who are going in the right direction."
(top)
#14 Chase Patton
University of Missouri
Height: 6-5 Weight: 220
Year: rs-Jr.
Hometown: Columbia, Mo.
Trivia: Patton chose MU over Tennessee, UCLA, Kansas State, Iowa and Virginia, among others.
Impact Verse: Ephesians 6:11

Chase Patton on…
…FCA : “FCA has been amazing. Obviously my faith has been my number-one priority. It is cool to get together with other athletes and share that. Just having that fellowship is the biggest part—the accountability and knowing that other people are going down the same road with you. It’s not the easiest one, but it is definitely the most rewarding.”

…football as a ministry:
“I’ve been praying for boldness on the team because it is an area for ministry. I’ve been praying and trying to make it more of a ministry than just another thing to do. As I’ve gotten older I’ve been able to have some really good conversations with guys and have been able to spread the Word.”

FCA Perspective:
“Chase Patton is an example of a true Christian competitor—someone who lives out his faith and keeps God first through any circumstance. Rarely have I ever seen such a high level of integrity and maturity in a college student. He gets it. He realizes that giving God glory through his life and sport is what is most important.”
– Scott Ashton, FCA Area Representative, Mid-Missouri
(top)

#3 Tim Hiller
Western Michigan University

For a more in-depth Q&A with Hiller, click here.


Height: 6-5
Weight: 228
Year: So.
Hometown: Orrville, Ohio
Trivia: This season, Hiller topped 3,000 career passing yards in just his 14th collegiate game.
Impact Verse: Colossians 3:23-24

Tim Hiller on…
…lessons from injury: “I really struggled when I had knee surgery at the end of ’05. But then I realized I actually had an opportunity to earn more respect from my teammates by handling my injury properly rather than complaining or handling things the wrong way. “Overall, football is a game that gives you a lot of nagging injuries.

…staying focused on the field:  “I always tape my left wrist and write ‘Audience of One’ on it. If things are going tough, I can glance down at it and say, ‘This is who I’m playing for.’”

…what you'll see in my on-field performance: “That I love the game, and that I play hard no matter what. No matter if we’re winning by 50 or losing by 50, I’m going to be out there giving my all because that’s what’s pleasing in God’s eyes: playing the best you can all the time.”

FCA Perspective:
“Tim Hiller lives out his faith in Jesus Christ before his teammates, coaches and opponents. His love for the Lord is contagious!”
– Rock Campbell, FCA Area Director, Central Michigan
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#24 Tom Zetts
Youngstown State University
Height: 6-1 Weight: 210
Year: Sr.
Hometown: Boardman, Ohio
Trivia: Zetts, a four-year starter, ranks first in YSU history in completion percentage.
Impact verse: Philippians 4:13

Tom Zetts on…
…what qualities make a good leader: “Patience, discipline and selflessness. As a Christian, you’re supposed to be a leader for people you come into contact with just by how you live. And in the same respect, as a quarterback I’ve got to maintain that attitude toward what I say and what I do. Everyone is looking to me—especially because I’m a senior. I’ve got to really watch my actions and my words and how they affect others.”

…combining football and faith: “Football is what has brought me closer to God. I’ve realized I can’t do it on my own. Reflecting on the Bible helps me to focus and know that it’s not just up to me to get this done. I’ve got help.”

FCA Perspective: “Tom is faithful, available, teachable and committed to serving our Savior and Lord. He sits front-and-center at the weekly FCA Huddle, he studies the Word of God, he shares his faith openly and lives out his faith in words and actions.”
– Lance Hartshorn, FCA Area Director, Youngstown, Ohio
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#12 Joe Craddock
Middle Tennessee State University
Impact Verse: Psalm 131

Joe Craddock on…
…how God factors into his field time: “I’m a small guy, and I’m out there with a bunch of big ol’ dudes. Knowing that God can protect me and that He’s always with me is something that I carry with me when I’m on the field.”

FCA perspective:
“Joe is great on the team as a leader, and he is even better off the field. He has a tremendous ability to lead and affect change. Joe has the faith and commitment that lends himself both as a leader on the team and in the community.”
– Greg Hart, Area Representative, Southern Middle Tennessee
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#8 Ryan Roberts
Baylor University
Height: 6-0
Weight: 218
Year: Jr.
Hometown: Keller, Texas
Trivia: Roberts led the state of Texas Class 5A in passing yards and touchdowns his senior year of high school.
Impact Verse: 1 Kings 2:2-3

Ryan Roberts on…
…FCA : “FCA is a great vessel through which to spread the name of Jesus. It allows athletes’ walks with Christ to truly be put on a ‘light stand,’ and allows athletes to give God the glory for all things. FCA gives athletes a means by which to stay focused on what is truly important in life: developing a relationship with Jesus Christ.”

…football as a ministry:  “I would absolutely consider football a ministry. I accepted Christ as my personal Lord and Savior at a young age, and it didn’t take long for me to figure out that standing out for Christ was not all that easy or popular. My prayer throughout high school was that God would allow me to become the starting quarterback at my high school, because I felt that, at the time, my walk with Christ was being overlooked by my peers. I felt like if God allowed me to be in this position, my light would truly be able to shine. It didn’t take me long to realize that the football team has truly become my area of ministry.”

FCA Perspective: “Ryan is one of the captains of our Huddle, and he’s got a great passion for living out his faith on his team. Whether he plays or not, he realizes that he is called to be an influence and a witness, staying faithful and sharing his faith boldly.”
– Ben Johnson, FCA Area Director, Baylor University
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#7 Chase Clement
Rice University
Impact Verse: James 1:12

Chase Clement on…
…what makes a good quarterback: “I think it is so important to be involved not just in your little group that you hang out with on the team, but with everybody. Make sure you talk to everyone and have a relationship with everyone, whether they are a walk-on freshman or a fifth-year senior.”

FCA Perspective:
“Chase’s most important role in FCA is being an example. The biggest impact he has is walking his walk in front of his teammates and just being consistent in his faith by going to meetings and doing things on his own. With Rice’s ups and downs, his positive outlook and his attitude is infectious on his teammates.”
– Joe Hornberger,  FCA Area Director, Houston 
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#18 B.J. Coleman
University of Tennessee
Height: 6-4 Weight: 205
Year: Fr.
Hometown: Chattanooga, Tenn.
Impact verse: Ephesians 5:1

B.J. Coleman on...
...what makes a great quarterback: “You’ve got to be a leader, and leadership is not something that is forced; it’s earned. I think it’s something that comes to you naturally. I had two great parents growing up who raised me to be a hard worker and a leaader. I think that is very important when you go out there, because you’ve got 10 other guys around you that you have to make better each nd every play.

FCA Perspective:
“B.J. was strong in FCA in high school out in Chattanooga, and he’s making a great impact as far as the example that he’s been here. He’s not playing this year, but he still has so much joy and charisma. He’s in Bible study, and he’s consistent in trying to stay in the Word every day. So, you can see the potential for him to be a strong spiritual leader on campus.”
– James Mitchell, Chaplain, University of Tennessee
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Photos courtesy of Matt Mariot/Univ.of Florida, Univ. of Tulsa, Univ. of Texas, Univ. of Tenn., UC Sports Communications, ULM Athletic Dept., Kent Gidley/UA Photography, Northwestern Univ., Chip Van Zandt, Sacramento State, Univ. of Wyoming Photo Service, Univ. of Tenn., NC State Athletics, Kansas State Univ., Virginia Tech Univ., UGA Sports Communications, Univ. of Houston, Phil Hoffman/Naval Academy, Univ. of Missouri, Jeff Mofferets/Baylor Univ. Youngstown State, MT Media Rel., Gary Shook/Western Mich., Saluki Media Services, Rice Sports Info.

For more stories about faith and sport, visit www.sharingthevictory.com, the official magazine of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.