Waiting pays off for MLC freshman Bentley

Patience has paid off in a big way for Midland Lutheran College freshman running back Darious Bentley.

Bentley saw limited playing time - six carries for 10 yards - in his first two games with the Warriors. In the third game, however, he rushed for 106 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries during a 35-23 win over Doane. Since that time, he has eclipsed 100 yards rushing in two other games and is also leading the Great Plains Athletic Conference in kickoff returns.

As the Warriors, 5-4, enter their final home game of the season today against Dana, Bentley has rushed for 447 yards on 88 carries. Only Khalid Waters, who has 591 yards, is ahead of the Kissimmee, Fla., native on the team rushing chart.

Bentley said he just waited for his opportunity to help the Warriors.

"I think every athlete would like to be on the field right away," he said. "I just wanted to stay humble and patient. Waiting gave me a chance to learn the offense better. I think being patient was a good thing for me."

Kelley Lee, the Midland offensive coordinator in 2008, began the recruiting process of Bentley when the back was a senior at Liberty High School. Bentley rushed for more than 800 yards in only eight games in Florida's 4-A class.

Warriors’ coach Casey Thiele met Bentley at a recruiting fair in Florida. Midland was exactly what the senior was looking for in a college.

"I had a chance to go to schools (in Florida)," Bentley said. "But this was an opportunity for me to get outside of Florida. Georgia and Florida were really all I knew."

Bentley faced a crowded backfield, however, when he arrived in Fremont. Senior Eric Hart was a returning starter and Waters, a sophomore, was impressive in spring ball and fall camp.

The returnees, though, were very helpful to young players such as Bentley.

"We really try to motivate each other and push ourselves to do better in practices and games," Bentley said. "We strive to do whatever we can to make each other better."

Thiele said that is evident to the coaching staff.

"That just shows the leadership of a senior like Eric Hart," he said. "He is a great mentor for the young backs. He wants to win in the worst way and he'll do anything he can to do that. ... Those backs all get along and there is a strong sense of camaraderie."

Bentley took advantage of his first shot at extended play time during the win against Doane. His performance also boosted his confidence.

"I think you could say that," he said. "Basically it showed me that I was ready to go out there and play well when I had the opportunity."

In a 40-6 win over Dordt on Oct. 17, Bentley showed he could hurt opponents in ways other than in the Warriors' backfield. He did rush for 130 yards on 15 carries and scored on touchdown runs of 1 and 39 yards, but he also returned the opening kickoff 75 yards for a score.

"He is an electrifying player," Thiele said. "He is someone that opponents have to pay attention to where he is on the field. He helps our team's confidence and causes a lot of concern for our opponents."

Bentley followed his Dordt performance by rushing for 138 yards on 22 carries during a 38-27 loss to Morningside Oct. 24 at Memorial Field. He had scoring runs of 20 and 81 yards on the day.

He earned his second start at running back last week against Nebraska Wesleyan. The Prairie Wolves limited him to 39 yards rushing, but he returned the opening kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown. He is first in the conference with an average of 32.4 yards per kickoff return.

"I just like to see what the opponents give me and I try to notice the little things that help me get in the open," Bentley said about his special teams play. "When I have a good return it kind of gets the whole team excited. Seeing all the guys get rowdy makes me want to go out and do it more."

Bentley is also ninth in the league in scoring with eight touchdowns. While the statistical success is gratifying, he is far from content.

"I know I'm not where I need to be yet and that's what kills me," he said. "I still need to work on my speed and footwork. My technique isn't as crisp as it needs to be. I need to execute the right moves when I need to."

Thiele believes Bentley's vision on the field is a strength. He also has been impressed with his consistency and durability, but wants to see him improve his blocking.

"He's very coachable," Thiele said. "He has to be to play as a freshman. He's caught on in short order what he needs to do."

The coach is happy with the first-year player's progress.

"We hoped he would be the type of player he turned out to be. ... He has overachieved in every aspect of his life at Midland," Thiele said. "We’re proud of him."