By MATT SWINEA
pressbox1.com

McKENZIE - The Bethel College Wildcat football team has some seniors that are getting plenty of looks from the pros and gaining some national attention. NFL Draft Scout (http://www.nfldraftscout.com/index.php) which operates a website that ranks the current year’s collegiate football players lists Bethel seniors Adrain Smith, Buck Reed, Cliff Barna and Antonio Brown in the crop of players to watch.

“Its an honor that people from the pinnacle of our sport are coming to Bethel College to check out our guys” said Head Coach Dino Kaklis. “We have had 24 NFL teams come in since the start of fall practice in August and some have come back two and three times.”

Running back Adrain Smith is the highest rated Wildcat at #23 in the running back category. Smith is part of a two-back tandem that has Bethel ranked number third in the nation in rushing yards per game. Smith a 6’, 210 lbs. senior from Ocala , Fla. is ranked eighth in the nation in rushing yards per game with 122 yards and has 978 yards on the season. “Adrian is a special talent; can really do it all, block, catch, run between the tackles, has great vision, understands blocking schemes and defensive reaction, studies film, and has that extra gear,” said Kaklis. “He can also return kicks, cover kicks, can also throw the ball.” Last year Smith was an AFCA All-American running back and became the All-Time Bethel College rushing leader. He was the Mid-South Conference West Division Offensive Player of the Year. He also broke the Bethel College single season rushing record last year with 1,538 yards.

The 52nd rated tight end in the nation is senior Buck Reed. Reed is 6’6” and 275 lbs. from Eight Mile, Ala. He is a two-time Mid-South Conference Offensive First Team selection (’05,’06). “Buck is a hard worker, has good hands, is a tough blocker, and a student of the game; has a good football IQ,” said Kaklis. “His best days are ahead of him. Buck is a football player, he is a winner.” Reed is considered a versatile player because he can be put in multiple positions and is an excellent blocker. This season he has caught only eight balls, but has three touchdowns and is averaging 13 yards a grab.

Cliff Barna a 6’2”, 290 lbs. senior from Ocala , Fla. is the 63rd ranked defensive tackle. Barna is a two time Mid-South Conference Defensive First Team pick (’05,’06). Coach Kaklis offered his take on Barna saying, “Cliff has a tremendous Motor; he plays and practices Full Throttle. He plays with good leverage, and uses his hands well, very strong. Plays all four of our down positions and has played OLB and dropped into coverage. He has all the intangibles: Hard worker, Tough mentally/physically, competitor loves to watch film.” Barna is second in the Bethel record books with 5.5 sacks in one season. This season he has two sacks, has made six tackles for loss and made 39 total tackles. He has posted those numbers while being double teamed much of the season.

Newly added to the rankings is Antonio Brown, Sr. Brown is listed as the 174th rated wide receiver. Brown is really an athlete that plays receiver. “Antonio does a lot for our ball club. He’s a very versatile athlete playing WR, QB, and returning kicks. He has all the intangibles; he is a hard worker, is tough mentally and physically,” said Kaklis. Brown has lined up at quarterback and has thrown five and completed three with a touchdown included. He also runs the option, returns punts and has returned kickoffs. Brown ranks #44 in receiving yards per game with 64 yards. Brown has accumulated 748 all-purpose yards this season and averages 19 yards per punt return.

The Wildcats,7-1 (5-0, 2-0), are currently ranked fourth in the nation and have three regular season games remaining. This Thursday, October 25, 2007 they will be on the road in Rome , Ga. for a conference game against Shorter College , with a 6:00pm CST kickoff.

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