Howard's Bethea drafted by Indianapolis
April 30, 2006
Howard University free safety Antoine Bethea was drafted by
the Indianapolis Colts in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft.
Bethea was the 207th player picked and the third HBCU performer
drafted.
Howard Photo
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Antoine Bethea |
The three-time SBN All-American was the third of four defensive
players taken by the Colts during the two day draft.
“I think it’s a good group in a lot of ways,” Colts
head coach Tony Dungy said. “We’re always trying
to increase our speed and our toughness. I think we’ve
done that. Defensively, I think we added to our speed and striking
ability."
Bethea's selection marked the second straight year that a
Howard University player has been drafted. Cornerback
Ronald Bartell, Jr. was drafted in the second round by the
St. Louis Rams last season and ended up starting six games.
Bethea holds the distinction of being only one of two players
in Howard history to be named All-MEAC first team for three
straight seasons and only one of four players to be selected
to the Sheridan Broadcasting Network (SBN) Black College All
American for three straight seasons.
During
his career at Howard, the Newport News, VA native started 31
of 37 games, recorded 309 tackles, 187 of them solos, three
sacks, 12 stops for losses, seven forced fumbles, two fumble
recoveries, 18 passes defended and a blocked kick.
He finished his career with seven interceptions including four
this season.
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