Bethany College And New Coach Grossner Add Eight Kansas Athletes
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The Bethany Swedes are coming off an 0-10 season in 2022 and have a new head coach in Mike Grossner. Grossner coached at Baker University from 2004-2018 and led the Wildcats to the NAIA National Championship game in 2016. He…
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Continue ReadingThe Bethany Swedes are coming off an 0-10 season in 2022 and have a new head coach in Mike Grossner.
Grossner coached at Baker University from 2004-2018 and led the Wildcats to the NAIA National Championship game in 2016.
He will look to return Bethany to past KCAC glory and to do so will need to improve the Swedes’ in-state recruiting.
Here is a look at the eight Kansas players signed by Bethany so far in 2023.
Dalton Whitworth Dalton Whitworth 5'11" | 170 lbs | QB Rock Creek | 2023 State KS , QB, 5’11”,170, Rock Creek (Photo Above)
Bethany is adding a gifted signal caller in Rock Creek’s Whitworth. He had a solid senior season for Rock Creek, throwing for 3,233 yards and 38 touchdowns. The Mustangs have a track record of winning and Whitworth’s leadership in the huddle contributed to that. He has an accurate arm and understands the importance of protecting the ball and continuing drives.
Terrel Anderson Terrel Anderson 5'10" | 185 lbs | LB Piper | 2023 State KS , LB, 5’10, 185, Piper
Anderson is a fast and physical linebacker. He finished with 55 total tackles and three tackles for loss during his senior season with the Pirates. He was used as a red zone option at Piper scoring three touchdowns on the ground. He could have an immediate impact on special teams for Bethany.
Dakota Becker, DL, 5’11”, 250, Erie
Becker is a run-stopper. He gets off the ball, can bulldoze his way over opposing guards, and finishes off tackles. Becker can defeat the double-team or take it on and keep his linebackers clean. He is an unselfish player who will fit in well on the Swedes’ Defensive Line.
Banky Hayes, DE, 6’0”, 190, Moundridge
The Swedes are adding another eight-man talent, this one from nearby Moundridge. Hayes is a baller. He can use his physicality or his speed to beat offensive linemen. Hayes will probably be used as a pass-rushing defensive end, but don’t be surprised if a move to middle linebacker is in his future.
Noah Esposito, RB, 5’11”, 175, Lincoln
The Swedes are getting a top eight-man running back out of Lincoln. Esposito rushed for 471 yards and four touchdowns on a sub-.500 team. He can block out of the backfield, is a threat in the passing game, and could play early on special teams.
Hector Fontanez, FB, 5’9”, 210, Columbus
Fontanez is an interesting prospect. He is physical, raw, and has a nose for football. He had more of an impact on defense than offense at Columbus, but it looks like Bethany plans to utilize him as a fullback. Grossner’s offenses at Baker always had a FB/HB/TE type of guy who could cause match-up problems. He just might be getting that type of weapon in Fontanez.
Angel Lopez Angel Lopez 6'2" | 290 lbs | OL Remington | 2023 State KS , OL, 6’2″, 300, Remington
Lopez could be a future all-conference center for Bethany. The Remington product is strong and a solid snapper. He appears to be a solid captain for an offensive line and puts in his work studying the opposing defense.
Kaleb Marshall, OL, 5’10”, 280, Salina Central
The Swedes could have one humdinger of competition at the center position. Marshall, a Salina Central product, also has experience as a center, but could possibly move to guard. He is another solid run-blocker and it looks like Bethany has added some quality depth to the offensive line ranks.