USC QB Matt Barkley
It’s rare, but, when it happens, people take notice. Every pass is complete, every drive ends with six, and everyone knows they’re witnessing greatness.
Being “in the zone” athletically is one thing—almost unattainable and utterly desirable—but what about being “in the zone” spiritually? According to Ephesians 3:20, we can “…do above and beyond all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us...” That’s right. Christ’s power is working inside each of us to fulfill His calling on our lives. It’s available to all of us but looks different to everyone.
This fall, we talked to some of the top college football players in the country, beginning with USC's Matt Barkley, about what it looks like to be “in the zone” spiritually. We pray that, as you read their quotes on the following pages and watch them compete this season, you'll be inspired to seek the Lord in new ways and get “in the zone” spiritually, too. -FCA-
Matt Barkley - University of Southern California
#7 - SR / QB / Newport Beach, Calif.
FCA: What comes to mind when you think of being “in the zone” athletically?
Matt Barkley: Blocking out distractions and knowing what’s important at the moment. On the football field, I’m able to block out the crowd noise, hecklers, signs or whatever people are doing to distract me from what I’m trying to accomplish. I think it’s pretty similar to life as a Christian. In the game and in life you're trying to stay on the straight and narrow, and there's always going to be something pulling you in another direction. But how are you going to stay focused, and how can you keep your eyes on the goal and finish what you started?
FCA: What does Ephesians 3:20 mean to you?
Matt Barkley: I realize I'm not in control of everything, but I believe in a God who can do miraculous and mighty things. It gives me peace to "let go and let God." I know that I can't solve or control everything, but all I have to do is stay focused on my relationship with God, and He will handle my life.
FCA: Considering your relationship with Christ, what does it mean to be “in the zone” spiritually?
Matt Barkley: It means being in constant communication with God—just like any other relationship—and always being fascinated with and wanting to know more about Him. If you don't talk to a friend for a month or two, you won't know them that well. The same applies with God. I think being in constant, daily communication—whether that's prayer, devotions or just reading His Word—you need to be intentional in that relationship to know Him and His plan for you. Being in the zone spiritually is more important than any other zone you could be in.
FCA: How do you get “in the zone” spiritually with the Lord?
Matt Barkley: Preparation and scheduling things just like we do in football is the key. You want to get better on the field, and pursuing that in your walk with Christ is even more important. I have to be intentional and set apart times for God. I think being intentional about being in the Bible and in relationship with others who hold you accountable helps you stay focused and in the zone.
WANT MORE? Click here to watch a video profiling Barkley's faith!
Players by Conference:
ACC Big East Big 10 Big 12 Conference USA MAC Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
ACC
Players by Conference:
ACC Big East Big 10 Big 12 Conference USA MAC Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
| Xavier Brewer - Clemson University |  |
| #9 R-SR / DB / Jacksonville, FL |
| “It’s feeling God’s presence in everything that I do and tapping into His Spirit whenever I need to. I know I don’t have to fear anything because He is by my side.” |
| Corico Wright - Clemson University |  |
| #42 SR / LB / Davenport, FL |
| “It means remembering that God has given you the strength to persevere and the will to endure. If you couldn’t handle it, then He wouldn’t put you through it. Whatever you do, do it unto the Lord.” |
| Dustin Hopkins - Florida State University |  |
| #18 SR / K / Houston, TX |
| “It means having your eyes fixed on Jesus. What we look at is what we think about. What we think about is what we care about. What we care about is what we act upon. When we have our eyes on God, He blesses us by allowing us to see, think, care and act on things from a heavenly perspective rather than an earthly perspective.” |
| Vince Williams - Florida State University |  |
| #11 R-SR / LB / Davenport, FL |
| “For me, being in the zone spiritually is much like being in the zone athletically. But instead of making play after play, you are consistently on fire for Christ. To me, this is having an unquenchable passion for Christ and His Word and consistently trying to carry out His will.” |
| Will Jackson - Georgia Tech |  |
| #52 R-JR / OL / Knoxville, TN |
| “It’s the way you carry yourself and live your life every day to be like Jesus. That carries over to every aspect of my life—on the field, in the classroom and socially. It helps me get through adversity knowing that He is always looking after me in every facet of my life.” |
| Vad Lee - Georgia Tech |  |
| #2 R-FR / QB / Durham, NC |
| “It means that I’m tuned in to Jesus, my Savior and Lord. I know He’s with me at all times, and I look to Him during both the high points and when I’m down and out.” |
| Sterling Lucas - North Carolina State University |  |
| #7 R-SR / LB / Orangeburg, SC |
| “Being ‘in the zone’ spiritually is giving God the glory through the way you play the game. The Lord blessed us with our athletic abilities so we can be ‘salt on earth’ and bring others back to Him.” |
| Asa Watson - North Carolina State University |  |
| #82 R-JR / TE / Rock Hill, SC |
| “It means to live according to the Word of God. This comes from not only reading the Bible but obeying what it says.” |
| Michael Rocco - University of Virginia |  |
| #16 JR / QB / Lynchburg, VA |
| “It means I'm daily seeking God through prayer and trying to have every aspect of my life in line with God's Word.” |
| Derrick Hopkins - Virginia Tech |  |
| #98 JR / DT / Highland Springs, VA |
| “It means that you are obedient and willing to do whatever God commands you to do. Isaiah 1:19 says, ‘If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land.’ For me, that means doing what God tells me to do to get in my spiritual zone.” |
| Logan Thomas - Virginia Tech |  |
| #3 R-JR / QB / Lynchburg, VA |
| “Being ‘in the zone’ with God is like no other because you don't have a worry in the world. You know He is on your side. God gave us the talent to be who we are, so we should give it back to Him by what we do with our lives.” |
| Tanner Price - Wake Forest University |  |
| #10 JR / QB / Austin, TX |
| “It means you are walking with Christ and living your life in a way that honors God and others around you.” |
Players by Conference:
ACC Big East Big 10 Big 12 Conference USA MAC Mountain West PAC 12
BIG EAST
Players by Conference:
ACC Big East Big 10 Big 12 Conference USA MACMAC Mountain WestMountain West PAC 12PAC 12 SECSEC
| Aaron Donald - University of Pittsburgh |  |
| #97 JR / DL / Pittsburgh, PA |
| “Jesus is the One making everything happen, and we wouldn’t be here today without Him. I know He is in control, making everything happen for the best.” |
| Devin Street - University of Pittsburgh |  |
| #15 R-JR / WR / Bethlehem, PA |
| “It means carrying out God's plan and not just focusing on your own plan. Putting God on the throne of your heart, praying and knowing His Word.” |
Players by Conference:
ACC Big East Big 10 Big 12 Conference USA MAC Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
B1G 10
Players by Conference:
ACC Big East Big 10 Big 12 Conference USA MAC Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
| Miles Osei - University of Illinois |  |
| #8 JR / QB / Mt. Prospect, IL |
| “It means being able to trust His plan through the good and bad times in life. Knowing God's plan for me is bigger than any plan I have for myself.” |
| Reilly O'Toole - University of Illinois |  |
| #4 SO / QB / Wheaton, IL |
| “There is no feeling like it. Being ‘in the zone’ feels like you cannot do anything wrong, and you are giving all you have for the glory of God.” |
| Ricky Barnum - University of Michigan |  |
| #52 R-SR / OL / Lakeland, FL |
| “It means being clear in my mind, in my heart, and having a strong focus on God and what He is trying to communicate to me.” |
| Jordan Kovacs - University of Michigan |  |
| #32 R-SR / S / Curtice, OH |
| “When I’m ‘in the zone’ spiritually, nothing can deter me from living the life of a great Christian man. I’m too focused to succumb to any distractions or temptations.” |
| Seung Hoon Choi - University of Nebraska |  |
| #77 R-SR / OL / Lincoln, NE |
| “It means being thankful, not just for the opportunity to play football, but also to impact others. Because of what Christ has done for me, I want to become more like Him as I play.” |
| Andrew Green - University of Nebraska |  |
| #11 R-JR / DB / San Antonio, TX |
| “It means the distractions of the world—fans, coaches, even pain in my body—don’t really matter. I feel totally confident in what I’m doing through preparation and prayer knowing I’m in His hands.” |
| Marcus Cromartie - University of Wisconsin |  |
| #14 R-SR / DB / Mansfield, TX |
| “It means I’m getting into the Word every day and having a relationship with the Lord. During the game I look at my gloves with ‘AO1’ written on them, which means Audience of One, reminding me Who I’m playing for.” |
| Brendan Kelley - University of Wisconsin |  |
| #97 R-SR / DL / Eden Prairie, MN |
| “It’s having a realization that I’m playing for a bigger reason than just a game. I’m playing for God, and I have a definite awareness that I take one play at a time because each play is a blessing.” |
Players by Conference:
ACC Big East Big 10 Big 12 Conference USA MAC Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
Big 12
Players by Conference:
ACC Big East Big 10 Big 12 Conference USA MAC Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
| Nick Florence - Baylor University |  |
| #11 SR / QB / Garland, TX |
| “It means loving God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and loving your neighbor as yourself. Simply walking in the Spirit and not in the flesh.” |
| Lanear Sampson - Baylor University |  |
| #3 R-SR / WR / Mesquite, TX |
| “Staying focused on what God has in store for you and knowing Who you are doing it for.” |
| Nila Kasitati - University of Oklahoma |  |
| #54 R-FR / OL / Euless, TX |
| “It means always having my eyes on Him. On good days and on bad days, I always want to give thanks to Him.” |
| Tress Way - University of Oklahoma |  |
| #36 R-SR / P / Tulsa, OK |
| “Being ‘in the zone’ is going all out every game because you play for the One who gave you the gifts and opportunity to compete. I thank God every day when I lace up my cleats.” |
| Anthony Rogers - Oklahoma State University |  |
| #94 R-JR / DT / North Little Rock, AR |
| “It means being able to go to God and ask Him for an answer and waiting for His reply. Just living life worry-free.” |
| Sam Carter -Texas Christian University |  |
| #17 R-SO / S / Alief, TX |
| “Being ‘in the zone’ means what Luke 1:37 (NIV) says, ‘Nothing is impossible with God.’” |
| Aundre Dean -Texas Christian University |  |
| #30 SR / RB / Katy, TX |
| “It means putting all of your troubles aside and doing what you do, not for your glory or recognition from your peers, but for the glory of God. Having faith and knowing that everything happens for a reason.” |
| David Ash - University of Texas |  |
| #14 SO/ QB / Belton, TX |
| “It means relying on my relationship with Christ more than what sport I’m playing or whether I’m winning or losing. Not basing my life on how I feel about myself and my performances, but basing it on how much I know my Savior loves me.” |
| Luke Poehlmann - University of Texas |  |
| #77 R-SR / OL / Brenham, TX |
| “It means I’m looking to Christ every day for my leadership and inspiration. I’m listening and am sensitive to the Spirit about the big and little decisions I make every day.” |
| Dozie Ezemma - West Viriginia University |  |
| #17 R-JR / DL / Pomona, NY |
| “I play to show people that Jesus is real. When we as servants get in the zone, we are unstoppable because of Jesus Christ!” |
| Paul Millard - West Viriginia University |  |
| #14 SO / QB / Flower Mound, TX |
| “It means to be walking in Christ in all that I do. Whether I'm playing football, going to class or just chillin’, I am representing my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” |
Players by Conference:
ACC Big East Big 10 Big 12 Conference USA MAC Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
CONFERENCE USA
Players by Conference:
ACC Big East Big 10 Big 12 Conference USA MAC Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
| Zach McMillian - University of Houston |  |
| #10 JR / DB / Missouri City, TX |
| “It means walking in the Word, striving to be like Christ and being a servant to others.” |
| David Piland - University of Houston |  |
| #8 R-SO / QB / Southlake, TX |
| “It’s knowing Jesus died pure of sin so that I could have the opportunity to give Him glory in every opportunity I am given. Life is a gift.” |
| Jonathan Guerry - University of Southern Mississippi |  |
| #78 R-JR / OL / Columbus, MS |
| “Being ‘in the zone’ doesn't have anything to do with the field. It means I understand I can be content with who I am with Christ, apart from what I do on the football field.” |
| Dasman McCullum - University of Southern Mississippi |  |
| #45 R-SO / DL / Taylorsville, MS |
| “Being ‘in the zone’ with Jesus Christ means to put all my faith into Him. To put everything I have into His hands and let Him take care of me.” |
Players by Conference:
ACC Big East Big 10 Big 12 Conference USA MAC Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
MAC
Players by Conference:
ACC Big East Big 10 Big 12 Conference USA MAC Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
| T.J. Fatinikun – University of Toledo |  |
| #23 SR / DE / Perrysburg, OH |
| “It’s being able to have a relationship with God where everything you do runs through Him. Knowing He is the source and power to my life and through prayer, believing that Christ has my best interest in life no matter what happens.” |
| Ben Pike – University of Toledo |  |
| #30 DL / JR / Mentor, OH |
| “It means that you are in tuned with God’s will for you and you have all your trust and faith in Him no matter what happens – good, bad, or indifferent. In the end, it will all work out for the glory of God and His Kingdom.” |
MOUNTAIN WEST
Players by Conference:
ACC Big East Big 10 Big 12 Conference USA MAC Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
| Chris Potter - Boise State University |  |
| #3 R-SR / WR / Westlake Village, CA |
| “Since I started my walk with Christ, I see things in a completely different light. That’s being ‘in the zone’ spiritually. You realize you are playing for a greater purpose, and you give God the glory when things are going both good and bad.” |
| Jamar Taylor - Boise State University |  |
| #5 R-SR / CB / San Diego, CA |
| “It’s feeling in tune with the Holy Spirit and being in the presence of God. It can happen anywhere when I feel the Lord talking to me and encouraging me to live out what He is saying.” |
Players by Conference:
ACC Big East Big 10 Big 12 Conference USA MAC Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
PAC-12
Players by Conference:
ACC Big East Big 10 Big 12 Conference USA MAC Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
| Cameron Marshall - Arizona State University |  |
| #6 SR / RB / San Jose, CA |
| “Always being on your guard and focused on your faith. It’s about being ready to share your faith at any point and remaining dedicated to God in every situation.” |
| Marcus Washington - Arizona State University |  |
| #20 R-SO / RB / Phoenix, AZ |
| “It means being a Christian before being an athlete. Keeping your focus on football and how you live your life, but above that, focusing on God.” |
| Matt Barkley - University of Southern California |  |
| #7 SR / QB / Newport Beach, CA |
"Blocking out distractions and knowing what’s important at the moment. On the football field, I’m able to block out the crowd noise, hecklers, signs or whatever people are doing to distract me from what I’m trying to accomplish. I think it’s pretty similar to life as a Christian. In the game and in life you're trying to stay on the straight and narrow, and there's always going to be something pulling you in another direction. But how are you going to stay focused, and how can you keep your eyes on the goal and finish what you started?"
Watch FCA's Interview with Matt Barkley. |
| Kyle Negrete - University of Southern California |  |
| #35 R-SR / P / Fresno, CA |
| “It means ruthlessly chasing after the gospel and the cross. It's the need to constantly be in Scripture, prayer and fellowship with your brothers and sisters in order to have the strength to carry our crosses each day with courage and humility.” |
Players by Conference:
ACC Big East Big 10 Big 12 Conference USA MAC Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
SEC
Players by Conference:
ACC Big East Big 10 Big 12 Conference USA MAC Mountain West PAC 12 SEC
| Quinton Dial - University of Alabama |  |
| #90 SR / DL / Pinson, AL |
| "When I'm in the zone spiritually, I'm reading my Bible and listening to worship music. Most importantly, I'm doing what's right when no one is looking." |
| Barrett Jones - University of Alabama |  |
| #75 SR / OL / Germantown, TN |
| "In my life, it's developing my relationship with Jesus Christ and actively pursuing and growing closer to Him by reading Scripture and praying every day." |
| Zach Hocker - University of Arkansas |  |
| #18 JR / K / Russellville, AR |
| “When I'm in the zone spiritually, I'm giving God all the glory—for good and bad. I pray for His will to be done. Whether it’s on or off the field, I try not to miss an opportunity to share my faith with teammates and those who need to hear about Jesus.” |
| T’Sharvan Bell - Auburn University |  |
| #22 R-SR / DB / Kissimmee, FL |
| “It means feeling the presence of Jesus Christ with you everywhere, whether at your home or in the locker room or on the field. It gives me a peace and confidence that I can accomplish everything my mind is set on, with His help, in His plan.” |
| Philip Lutzenkirchen - Auburn University |  |
| #43 SR / TE / Marietta, GA |
| “It’s trying to do the right thing all the time, putting others before yourself, and working to honor God with everything you do.” |
| Chris Burnette - University of Georgia |  |
| #68 JR / OL / LaGrange, GA |
| “Being ‘in the zone’ spiritually is not arriving to a certain level of holiness, but being totally and completely fixed on Christ and the cross in all areas of life.” |
| Hutson Mason - University of Georgia |  |
| #14 JR / QB / Marietta, GA |
| “It means that as a born-again Christian you are pursuing God on a daily basis and boldly telling others about Him.” |
| Craig McIntosh - University of Kentucky |  |
| #93 R-SR / K / Lexington, KY |
| “It means that I'm living each aspect of life in a way that is glorifying to God. It allows me to fully focus before each game and perform at my best when the opportunity comes.” |
| Jarrett Fobbs - Louisiana State University |  |
| #5 R-SO / WR / Shreveport, LA |
| “It means your personal relationship with God is in the zone. You know what you believe in, you live it out in your personal life, and you try to spread the Word through action or even just by asking others to come to Bible study.” |
| Jeremy Peeples - Louisiana State University |  |
| #47 SO / OL / Lakeland, FL |
| “It’s making sure that everything you do honors God. I keep Him present in my mind, avoiding the distractions that could sidetrack me. It’s important to keep God in my mind, my prayers and my devotion time.” |
| Curtis Virges - Mississippi State University |  |
| #98 R-SO / DL / West Point, MS |
| “It means having a relationship with Christ and being able to go to Him for guidance and strength on a daily basis.” |
| H.R. Greer - University of Mississippi |  |
| #45 R-SR / TE / Olive Branch, MS |
| “It’s when your heart and mind are completely focused on our Savior. When that's the case, we live and play for an audience of One.” |
| Jason Jones - University of Mississippi |  |
| #38 R-SR / DE / Albany, GA |
| “It means that there is nothing clouding your peripheral vision. Every thought you think and every sight you see is focused on the Creator of life.” |
| T.J. Johnson - University of South Carolina |  |
| #55 R-SR / C / Aynor, SC |
| “Being ‘in the zone’ is that feeling on the field when God is using you as a finger pointing straight to Him and playing for His glory.” |
| Marcus Lattimore - University of South Carolina |  |
| #21 JR / RB / Duncan, SC |
| “It means, when I’m on the field, there are no worries because I know God is with me. There is a peace of mind through the midst of all that is going on every play. As Acts 17:28 says, ‘For in Him we live and move and exist…'” |
| Herman Lathers - University of Tennessee |  |
| #34 R-SR / LB / Baton Rouge, LA |
| “When I am in the zone spiritually, I block out all of life’s distractions that aren’t a part of God’s plan for me. I give God the praise He deserves and honor Him in everything I do in the most humble way I know how.” |
| Michael Lamothe - Texas A&M University |  |
| #19 SR / TE / New Iberia, LA |
| “Being spiritually ‘in the zone’ is a lot like football. When I prepare and have my heart fully invested, studying His Word, praying and staying connected to Christ, trusting what I’ve been taught, I am better suited to represent my home team of Christians.” |
| Caleb Russell - Texas A&M University | 
|
| #47 R-SR / DL / Midlothian, TX |
| “It’s being focused on Christ and submitting to His will—putting others before myself and having faith and trust that God will lead me down the best path. It’s being in His Word daily, strengthening the fruits of the Spirit, and knowing I’m not perfect but striving daily to seek Christ on and off the field.” |
Originally Published: November 2012
Photos courtesy of University of Alabama; Sun Devil Athletics; University of Arkansas Athletics; Todd Van Emst; Matthew Minard, Baylor Photography; Boise State Media Relations; Clemson Athletics; FSU Sports Information; UGA Sports Communications; GT Sports Information; University of Houston Athletics Communications; Illinois Sports Information; UK Athletics; Steve Franz / LSU Sports Information; U-M Photo Services; South Carolina Athletics; Ole Miss Athletics; MSU Media Relations; Nebraska Media Relations; NC State Athletics; OU Athletics Communications; OSU Athletics; Pitt Athletic Communications; USC Sports Information; Southern Miss Athletics/Joe Harper; Tennessee Athletics; UT Athletics Photography; Aggie Athletics; TCU Athletics Media Relations; Jim Daves/UVa Media Relations; David Knachel/Virginia Tech; Wake Forest Athletic Communications; West Virginia Athletic Communications; Courtesy of David Knachel/Virginia Tech; West Virginia Athletic Communications; David Stluka, UW Athletic Communications
Players by Conference:
ACC Big East Big 10 Big 12 Conference USA MAC Mountain West PAC 12 SEC