Tornado Spotlight: Bubba Craven, Football
Meet Bubba Craven, a senior on the Brevard College Football team. Craven hopes to build off his success during the 2017 football season, making him the first Tornado Spotlight of the 2018-19 Athletics season.
Craven came to Brevard from Pleasant Garden, N.C. He chose to be a Tornado after the football program gave him the opportunity to play football and compete at the quarterback position. Once on campus, Craven fell in love with the area of Brevard. In his free time, he enjoys going fishing, exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway and viewing the local waterfalls.
Craven has been a catalyst for the Tornados' offense over the past four years. During his sophomore season, Craven ranked second in total rushing attempts (122), and third in total rushing yards (275) for the Tornados.
As a junior, Craven transitioned to the Wide Receiver position where he finished at the top of many offensive stats. He proceeded to lead the Tornados in receiving yards (868), receptions (50), yards-per-game (86.8), yards-per-reception (17.4), and receiving touchdowns (11). These stats took Craven to the top of the leaderboard for the USA South Conference as he finished first in number of touchdowns and second overall in yards-per-game. Craven was also named to the USA South's All-Sportsmanship Team for football and the recipient of the Brevard College Football's Will to Win Award to round out a successful junior campaign.
Craven's favorite football memory also came during the 2017 season. During a conference matchup at Greensboro College, he recorded three touchdowns in the first quarter. Also during the game, he established Brevard College Football's NCAA record for most receiving yards in a single game. However, the game was most memorable for the Pleasant Garden native as many of his family members were able to attend.
Not only has Craven seen success on the playing field but in the classroom as well. A Criminal Justice major with a minor in both Business and Leadership Management, he was named to the Dean's List during the spring semester. Craven gives credit to Dr. Tim Powers and his family for keeping him motivated and focused on his academics. His support system has pushed him to continue working towards his degree and to never give up.
Craven's family has also had a tremendous impact on his success in the classroom and on the playing field. His mom is a single mom that takes care of the entire family without much time for herself. Craven's sister suffers from epilepsy. In turn, the standout Tornado wide receiver dedicates every game to his mother and his sister. Craven also plays for his former high school football coach, Chris Kile, who passed away of cancer following Craven's senior year of high school. Coach Kile taught Craven to be humble and work hard every day.
Craven has returned to campus this fall, ready to have his best season yet. His goals include making the USA South's All-Conference Team, leading the Tornados to an ECAC Bowl game, and recording at least 70 receptions during the season. Craven thanks his coaching staff for helping him to develop into a better student and demanding professionalism from him every day. He also thanks his position coaches, Eric Gallon and Andrew Bather, for developing him into a better player and man.
The future is bright for this Tornado. Craven is set to graduate in the spring. He would like to return home and find a good paying job to help his family. Craven also wants to help the next generation of football players by getting into coaching. His goal is to help young athletes gain exposure without having to spend too much money. If given the opportunity, Craven would also love to further his own football career at the next level.
Check out Bubba Craven and the rest of the Tornados as they kickoff with the home opener vs. Methodist at Brevard Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 6. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.