Football Recruits

Theron "Junior" Allen - Davie, Fla.

Theron Allen is a 5'8" 185 lb. running back. He previously attended Western High School in Davie and Missouri Valley College, Marshall, Mo.

At Missouri Valley, Allen earned both first team all-conference and first team all-American honors as a punt returner and second team all-conference honors as a kick returner. He also was named Special Team Player of the Year. Allen also ran track at Missouri Valley. In high school Allen played football, basketball and ran track. Allen will run track and field at Bethany as well.

Head coach Jamie Cruce said he is looking forward to the competition Allen will bring to the field. "Junior is an exciting athlete who should have an immediate impact on our offense as well as our return game," Cruce said. Because Allen transferred this spring, Cruce said he was able to "become acclimated to how we do things here at Bethany."

"He is the type of player that can make people miss and excels quickly," Cruce added.

Bryant Baldwin - Galva, Kan.

Baldwin is a 5'5" 165 lb. running back/kicker from Canton-Galva High School. There he earned first team all-league honors as a running back. Baldwin also played baseball and basketball at Canton-Galva, earning all-league honors for both.

"Bryant has played several positions in high school. He is a tough kid and will add depth to our running back position this fall," Cruce said.

Bryant Beneke - Salina, Kan.

Beneke is a 6' 175 lb. quarterback from Southeast of Saline High School. There he was an all-league quarterback and free safety, first team all-county quarterback and an all-state honorable mention. During his final two seasons he had 2752 yards rushing with 35 rushing touchdowns and 2834 passing yards with 30 passing touchdowns.

Coach Cruce said he is very excited that Beneke decided to become a Swede. "He has a lot of potential at several different positions both offensively and defensively. He was an extremely successful quarterback at Southeast of Saline. He's a very athletic young man who should have a bright future here at Bethany," Cruce said.

He also competed in baseball and track, where he ran the 4x100 and high jumped.

Parker Broadfoot - Hesston, Kan.

Broadfoot is a 5'11, 280 lb. defensive lineman from Hesston High School. There he was a two-year starter and was named first team MCAA as a senior. He also competed in wrestling where he was an honorable mention MCAA.

"Parker should add immediate depth to our interior defensive line. He was a very good wrestler in high school and that usually seems to help young men in the game of football especially at defensive line," Cruce said.

Matt Dunning - Strasburg, Colo.

Jasan Elzinga - Junction City, Kan.

Elzinga is an offensive lineman out of Junction City High School where he was a member of a state championship team. His team also was three-time all-league champions. Elzinga was chosen to compete in the Shrine Bowl. He also won the Black Lion Award while earning first team all-state honors and all-league honors. At Junction City High he also wrestled and ran track and field.

"Jasan played at a very high level of high school football at Junction City. He is a hard worker and has a lot of room to add some good weight. He moves very well and should add immediate depth at our offensive line," Coach Cruce said. He added that Elzinga has the potential to play defensive line as well.

Lindell Ray Gentry IV - Santa Fe, Texas

Gentry is a 5'11" 275 lb. lineman from Santa Fe High School. There he earned district honorable mention honors. He also was a thrower on the track and field team and was a two-year regional and state qualifier in power lifting.

"'Ray' is a young man that we are excited to have join our program. He will add depth and competition on our offensive line. He is a strong and athletic young man who competed in the state power lifting tournament in Texas," Coach Cruce said.

Eric Hawk - Lindsborg, Kan.

Hawk is a 5'9 running back from Smoky Valley High School. There he was a three-year starter, earning all-state and all-league honors. He holds the rushing record at Smoky Valley. During his senior season, Hawk had 1250 rushing yards with 23 touchdowns.

"Eric was an outstanding high school running back and should provide depth and competition for us this fall. He broke the rushing record for a season at Smoky Valley high school and we are excited to have him join our program," Coach Cruce said.

Ethan Hendricks - Lindsborg, Kan.

Hendricks is a 6'1, 215lb. lineman from Smoky Valley High School. There he earned all-league honorable mention honors. Hendricks also played baseball, basketball and golf.

"Ethan has good feet and will benefit from our weight program here. Ethan will provide depth at defensive end and we look forward to working with him this fall," Coach Cruce said.

Hoefler is a 6'2" 195 lb. tight end from Manhattan High School. There he was a two-year letterwinner.

Coach Cruce said Hoefler should add depth at the tight end position. "Trent has a strong work ethic and we look forward to his contribution on and off the field," Coach Cruce said.

With a 3.65 high school GPA, Hoefler was on the academic honor roll.

Darby House - Skidmore, Texas

House is a 6'2" 205 lb. quarterback from Skidmore-Tynan High School. There he played football four years, earning all-district and all-South Texas honors. House also participated in basketball, baseball, track, power lifting and tennis.

Coach Cruce said he knows House is excited to compete for the quarterback position at Bethany. "Darby is the type of competitor we look for when we evaluate quarterbacks. He had a very successful high school career and has been a part of a division II program the last couple of years. He suffered through a season-ending injury last year before deciding to transfer to Bethany this fall.

Clint Janzen - Hesston, Kan.

Janzen is a 5'10, 175 lb. linebacker from Hesston High School. There he earned all-league honorable mention honors.

Janzen also wrestled in four weight classes throughout high school, earning all-league honorable mention honors at each weight class. He also earned all-academic honors.

Coach Cruce said Janzen comes from a very good program at Hesston High. "Clint has the ability to play outside linebacker and is used to physical play," Cruce said.

Ridge Jones - Lindsborg, Kan.

Jones is a 6'3, 183lb. wide receiver from Hutchinson Community College. There he was an all-league honorable mention defensive back for two years and all-league unanimous wide receiver selection. He also served as a captain on the football team.

While at Smoky Valley High School, Jones was a three-year starter on the football team, two-year starter on the baseball team as a pitcher and started one year on the basketball team. He earned all-league honorable mention honors as a pitcher.

"Ridge played locally here at Smoky Valley and we are excited that he has decided to join us here at Bethany. He will add depth to our receiver position and we look forward to having him develop as he learns our system," Cruce said."

Landon Keller - Palco, Kan.

Keller is a 5'10" 170 lb. wide receiver from Palco High School. There he twice earned first team all-league honors as a tight end, as well as first team all-league honors as a running back and defensive back.

Coach Cruce said Keller is a savvy football player who has a strong desire to be successful. "Landan is another young man who played a number of positions in high school and should add depth at the receiver position this fall," Cruce said.

Keller also played basketball and was on the track and field team.

Kyle Kiesov - Irving, Texas

Keisov is a 5'11, 160lb wide receiver from Nimitz High School. There he earned all-district honors. He also played basketball and was on the track team.

"Kyle is a very quick and sure-handed receiver. He will fit in well with our scheme on offense and should provide depth and completion this fall," Cruce said.

Anthony King - The Colony, Texas

King is a 5'11, 190lb. safety from The Colony High School. There he had 71 tackles and three interceptions his senior year.

"Anthony returns to Bethany after originally signing in 2008. He cracked the starting lineup his freshman season at one of our safety positions. Anthony has done a great job since returning and he should again compete for playing time at safety," Cruce said.

Codi Larmer - Ark City, Kan.

Larmer is a 6'2" 285 lb. tackle from Arkansas City High School. There he was a three-year starter earning all-league honorable mention honors. Larmer also wrestled two seasons, earning all-league honorable mention honors, and threw shot put on the track and field team one season.

"Codi has the size that you want to see at the offensive tackle position. He qualified for state as a heavyweight wrestler here in Kansas," Cruce said.

Ethan Linden - Ellinwood, Kan.

Linden is a 6'2" 205 lb. defensive end/tight end from Ellinwood High School. There he earned all-league honorable mention honors. While at Ellinwood High, Linden also played basketball and was a sprinter on the track team.

"Ethan is a tall kid who has a lot of potential to develop into a very good football player. He should provide depth and the defensive end position and also can play tight end," Coach Cruce said.

Linden was on the school honor roll, FFA vice president and a member of the National Honor Society. He also was a Salutatorian.

Cody Linnebur - Cheryvale, Kan.

Linnebur is a 5'10" 190 lb. linebacker from Cherryvale High School. There he earned all-league, all-area and all-state honorable mention honors. His senior season he had 75 total tackles and three sacks.

Coach Cruce said Linnebur should provide depth at the linebacker position this fall. "Cody is a welcome addition to our program. He has good instincts and we look forward to working with him," Cruce said.

Taylor Mosley - Wichita, Kan.

Mosley is a 5'11" 215 lb. nose guard from Rose Hill High School. There he was a two-year starter, earning second team all-league honors. His senior season, Mosley had 46 tackles and two sacks.

Cruce said Mosley should add depth to the defensive end position. "Taylor is a very athletic defensive lineman who also has very good strength. He is another young man that we signed from Rose Hill where they have been very successful," Cruce said.

John Nguyen - Arltington, Texas

Nguyen is a 5'10" 235 lb. defensive end from Juan Seguin High School. There he served as defensive line captain.

"John should provide depth for our defensive line this fall. He is a young man with great character and we look forward to what he will add to our team," Coach Cruce said.

At Juan Seguin, Nguyen was active in FCA, and SEDAS and was recipient of the school's Cougar Pride award.

Pines is a 5'8, 188lb. running back from Cathedral Prep. There he earned first team all-league honors three seasons. He also served as team captain for two years. At Cathedral Prep, Pines amassed 1129 yards with eight touchdowns. At Pasadena City College, Pine had 550 yards with seven touchdowns and averaged 6.3 yards per carry.

"Anthony is a talented player who can be successful running the football and also as a receiver. He was able to come in this past Spring and learn the Swede way of doing things. We are definitely looking forward to what Anthony brings to the table and are happy he has joined us here at Bethany College," Cruce said.

In 2007, Pines also was the Junior Olympic 200 meter champion and the Cal State Junior College 200 meter runner-up.

Cody Platt - Santa Fe, Texas

Platt is a 6' 190 lb. wide receiver from Santa Fe High School. There he earned second team all-district and all-county honorable mention honors.

"Cody is a physical skill player who can play receiver or defensive back. He has a very good background in the weight room as he was a state qualifier as a power lifter in Texas," Cruce said.

He also participated in baseball, basketball, track and powerlifting at Santa Fe High.

Charlie Poland - Los Angeles, Calif.

Poland is a 6'4, 310lb. offensive lineman from Santa Monica College. There he earned first team all-league honors. He also served as team captain two seasons.

At Santa Monica High School, Poland earned second team all-league honors his junior year and first team all-league honors his senior season while also serving as team captain.

Coach Cruce said Poland is a welcome addition to the offensive line. "Charlie became a Swede this past spring and should compete for a spot on our offensive line this fall. He has the physical tools to be successful and we are looking forward to working with him," Cruce said.

Cody Ratcliffe - Halstead, Kan.

Ratcliffe is a 5'10" 160 lb. wide receiver from Halstead High School. There he was a four-year starter on the football team, earning second team all-league honors. At Halstead Ratcliffe had 119 tackles, five interceptions, 492 rushing yards, 377 receiving yards, 1350 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns. He also played basketball and baseball in high school and will continue his baseball career at Bethany.

"Cody is an extremely athletic young man who can play receiver or defensive back. He was a standout two-sport athlete at Halstead high school and should be a valuable member of our football and baseball teams here at Bethany," Cruce said.

Zack Rocha - Claflin, Kan.

Rocha is a 5'7" 205 lb. linebacker from Ellinwood High School. There he played football and golf.

"Zack is a physical player who should provide depth at the linebacker position. He is a hard worker and we are looking forward to having him be a part of our program here at Bethany," Cruce said.

Julius Russell - Cypress, Texas

Russell is a 6'1" 220 lb. linebacker from Cypress Woods High School. There he had 88 tackles with 41 solo tackles, 5.5 sacks and three forced fumbles his senior season.

Coach Cruce said Russell should provide depth at outside linebacker this fall. "Julius has all the tools to be successful for us. He is accustomed to our style of defense and fits well into what we like to do," Cruce said.

Tucker Schmidt - Hesston, Kan.

Schmidt is a 6'2, 155 lb. defensive back/wide receiver from Hesston High School. There he was a two-year starter and earned second team all-league honors as a defensive back. He also competed in basketball as a post player and was a hurdler on the track team.

"Tucker is one of four young men we signed out of Hesston this year. He has the ability to play receiver or defensive back. We are excited to have Tucker join us and he is someone who has the potential to really benefit from our off-season program," Cruce said.

Shane Schoenhofer - Salina, Kan.

Shoenhofer is a 5'10" 235 lb. offensive lineman from Southeast of Saline High School. There he twice earned first team all-league and first team all-state honors. He also competed in basketball and baseball.

Coach Cruce said Shoenhofer is a very athletic offensive lineman and should provide depth there this fall. "He had a successful career at Southeast of Saline and we look for him to continue that trend here at Bethany. He has a great attitude and we are excited to have him and his family as Swedes," Cruce said.

Keenan Thompson - Salina, KS

Thompson is a 6', 170lb. linebacker/fullback from Sacred Heart High School. There he was a four-year starter. Thompson also played baseball and rugby in Salina.

"Keenan comes from a very good program at Sacred Heart high school. He has the potential to gain some good weight in the off season and should provide depth at outside linebacker this fall," Cruce said.

Joshua Villareal - Fort Worth, Texas

Villareal is a 5'9" 255 lb. center/long snapper from L.D. Bell High School in Hurst, Texas. There he earned academic all-state honors with a 3.56 high school GPA. He also ran track and competed in powerlifting at L.D. Bell.

"Joshua is a very physically strong player who can play center or guard and should add depth on our offensive line. He is the type of young player who should develop very nicely over the next few years," Cruce said.

Tyler Vogt - Santa Monica, Calif.

Vogt is a 6'1, 282lb. center from Pioneer Valley High School. There he twice earned first team all-league honors. He also earned first team all-CIF honors and was named Offensive Lineman of the Year. He was also a unanimous vote for first team All-Conference.

At Allan Hancock College, Vogt was a unanimous all-conference selection.

Cruce said Vogt had a successful junior college career. "He transferred to Bethany this spring and immediately made a positive impact. His attitude and work ethic helped make our off-season successful. Tyler should compete for a spot on our offensive line this fall," Cruce said.

Christopher Washington - The Colony, Texas

Washington is a 6'3" 215 lb. defensive end from The Colony High School. There he started one season, earning second team all-district honors. Washington also played linebacker and receiver.

"Chris is a very athletic young man who will provide depth at defensive end this fall. He is a hard worker and he has the frame to gain some good weight during our off-season," Cruce said.

Dustin Wheeler - Arlington, Texas

Wheeler is a 6'1" 180 lb. linebacker from Summit High School. There he was a starter his senior season, leading the team in tackles and earning 4-5A honorable mention honors.

His senior season, wheeler had 78 total tackles with 31 solo tackles and two sacks.

"Dustin is a physically talented outside linebacker who had a very good high school career. He has a good nose for the football and should fit well into our defensive scheme," Cruce said.

Wheeler also was nominated for the academic all-state team with a 3.5 high school GPA.

Tanner Wilcox - Wichita, Kan.

Wilcox is a 6'2" 170 lb. wide receiver from Valley Center High School. There he earned AV-CTL II honorable mention honors.

Coach Cruce said Wilcox has very good size and speed. "He played several positions in high school and we look for him to compete at our receiver or defensive back positions. He was a three sport athlete at Valley Center," Cruce said.

At Valley Center, Wilcox also played basketball two seasons and competed on the track and field team four seasons.

Chad Wollenberg - Newton, Kan.

Wollenberg is a 6'0, 235 lb. linebacker from Hesston High School. The four-year letterwinner earned first team all-league honors his senior season and all-league honorable mention honors as a junior. Wollenberg was a starting player at the Shrine Bowl.

Cruce said that Wollenberg has the ability to play on either side of the football. "He had a great career at Hesston high School and his dad played at Bethany for Coach Kessinger. He is a natural fit here and we look for him to provide depth and completion at linebacker or tight end this fall," Cruce said.

Wollenberg also competed in track as a thrower and ran the 200m.

Chad is the son of Nathan and Tanya Wollenberg. He has a 3.5 high school GPA.