While the NHL playoffs are still underway (as far as some fans are concerned, at least) other sports fans are keeping an eye on this week's NFL draft. 

Rodney Anderson rushed for over 200 yards in the 2018 Rose Bowl. (soonersports.com)Among those anxiously waiting in the wings will be several college football standouts who have been profiled in Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Magazine. Over eight seasons, FCA published annual college football issues, highlighting hundreds of players who talked about their faith with the 65-year-old international sports ministry.

“These young players live out their faith on the field as followers of Jesus Christ, and He directs their playbook for life,” said FCA President and CEO Shane Williamson. “We wish them all the best in this week’s draft—just the beginning of a journey we hope will be guided by God for years to come, either in the NFL or along another path.”

Seven who have discussed their faith with FCA are among the players to watch for this year’s draft:

RODNEY ANDERSON: RB: Oklahoma—“I pursue God by getting connected to a church and constantly surrounding myself with like-minded godly believers. I feel like it’s important to stay around believers because sin lurks around every corner.”

DAVID BLOUGH: QB: Purdue—“I passionately pursue a relationship with Christ because of His sacrifice on the cross. Serving a King who paid the ultimate price of death, bearing the weight of the world on His shoulders, for me to have a relationship with Him ... everything I do ought to be to serve Him!” Blough also said one of the most influential people in his life while at Purdue was FCA Campus Director Marty Dittmar. “Through discipleship, mission trips and weekly FCA Huddles, the ministry of FCA has helped mold me into the man I am today.”

ALEC EBERLE: OL: Florida State—“I choose to follow Christ and have a relationship with Him because with Him anything is possible, and I firmly believe He gives me the opportunities He does for a reason.”

GARY JENNINGS: WR: West Virginia—“I passionately pursue a relationship with Jesus because without Him I am nothing.”

JOJO MCINTOSH: DB: Washington—“I grew up in faith and love for Jesus Christ. I have felt His everlasting love and grace. Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice for us; it is only right I give him praise and glory. God is great! All the time!”

HUNTER RENFROW: WR: Clemson—“I pursue a relationship with Christ by surrounding myself with the godly leadership and players around the team. They are constantly pointing me to Christ, and it allows me to play free and without pressure.” Renfrow also commented that FCA “has always been a large part of my life and has allowed me to become who I am today. Growing up, my parents were a part of FCA in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and it gave me an avenue to grow in my faith while meeting athletes who were constantly pursuing Christ.”

BRETT RYPIEN: QB: Boise State—“I pursue a relationship with Jesus Christ because I know He has a plan for my life, and, throughout any ups and downs, He will always be there for me.”