Football Receives Votes in the Fifth Netting Professionals NAIA Top 25

LEBANON, Tenn.--Cumberland Football continued to earn national recognition this week, receiving votes in the fifth edition of the Netting Professionals NAIA Football Coaches' Top 25 Poll, announced Monday by the national office.

The Phoenix, who sit at 4-2 overall, picked up 11 votes in the latest poll after narrowly falling on the road to Bethel (Tenn.) last weekend, 28-24. Cumberland has now received votes in five consecutive national polls.

Cumberland's balanced offensive attack ranks among the most efficient in the Mid-South Conference, averaging 309.7 yards per game, including 175.8 on the ground, 21st in the NAIA, and 133.8 through the air. The Phoenix have scored 24.8 points per game while holding opponents to 26.5 points and just 125.8 rushing yards per contest.

Running back Jacob Cornejo ranks fourth in the Mid-South Conference in rushing yards picking up 438 yards this season with four touchdowns. Jake Parker stepped in at quarterback this week and did well completing 10-of-21 passes for 238 yards and three touchdowns. Jarrius Rogers leads the team in receiving yards with 273 averaging 39.0 yards per catch,

Defensively, Cumberland has recorded 14 sacks and forced seven turnovers, including a pair of interceptions and five fumble recoveries. The Phoenix rank 22nd nationally in time of possession (31:56) and 11th in home attendance, averaging 1,687 fans per game inside Nokes-Lasater Field.

Cannon Johnson has led the defense this season with 42 tackles, the second-most in the league. He is also tied for fourth in sacks with three. Chazz Hunter has 33 tackles with three tackles for loss and Will Harris has 28.

The nation's top five teams remained unchanged this week, led by No. 1 Grand View (Iowa), followed by Keiser (Fla.), Benedictine (Kan.), Morningside (Iowa), and Friends (Kan.).

The Mid-South features three ranked programs led by Lindsey Wilson at No. 7 Lindsey Wilson. Campbellsville follows at No. 9. Georgetown moved up one spot to No. 18. Bethel is just outside of the Top 25 receiving votes as well as Cumberland continues to hover just outside the Top 25.

Cumberland will be on the road on Saturday for their fourth out of four-consecutive away games. The Phoenix will be at No. 18 Georgetown on Saturday.

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Players Mentioned

#0 Jacob Cornejo: RB; 6' 0"; Sophomore

#8 Cannon Johnson: DB; 5' 8"; Junior

#82 Jarrius Rogers: WR; 5' 11"; Sophomore

#36 Chazz Hunter: LB; 5' 8"; Graduate Student

#24 Will Harris: LB; 6' 0"; Redshirt Senior

#12 Jake Parker: QB; 6' 2"; Redshirt Junior

Players Mentioned

#0 Jacob Cornejo
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: RB

#8 Cannon Johnson
: 5' 8"; Junior
: DB

#82 Jarrius Rogers
: 5' 11"; Sophomore
: WR

#36 Chazz Hunter
: 5' 8"; Graduate Student
: LB

#24 Will Harris
: 6' 0"; Redshirt Senior
: LB

#12 Jake Parker
: 6' 2"; Redshirt Junior
: QB