Thresher Athletics Hall of Fame
A small-town Kansas kid out of Moundridge, Brandon Kaufman became a household name on a national-scale while on the football field at Bethel. The defensive back was an absolute terror on the opposing quarterbacks he went up against, picking off a still-standing school-record 23 interceptions in his career from 2004-2007. Kaufman's career stats also include 274 total tackles, 25 tackles-for-loss, and three sacks. He was a first-team All-KCAC player three-straight years while earning that nod at both defensive back and punt returner during his senior campaign. He finished his final season in 2007 by being ranked #1 in the entire NAIA in terms of interceptions/game (1.1), and #2 in both passes defended/game (2.1), and punt return yards/attempt (17.8). Kaufman is also one of four Thresher football players to ever be named NAIA National Player of the Week. His play against Bethany College in a 20-0 win included seven tackles, one sack, and two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown while the other went 60 yards. His efforts helped the Threshers earn the KCAC Championship in both 2006 and 2007, and he capped off his career by being the KCAC Player of the Year, and First-Team NAIA All-American in 2007.
