Second in a series previewing newcomers to the Arkansas football team
Arkansas freshman defensive end Tevin Beanum might not be the most accomplished player from the Arkansas football signing class of 2013, but he brings a wealth of life experience that could help him in Faytteville.
Beanum, who reported to UA for workouts and classes in June, moved to Forrest City in the sixth grade from Germany.
He was born in Carthage, N.Y., but moved to Germany at the age of 7 because his father was in the Army, where he eventually became an IT network administrator.
“That forced me to pick up on the customs, learn the language to certain degree to where I could to communicate and speak for myself because my mom wasn’t always around,” said Beanum, who scored a 30 on his ACT test. “For me, naturally I like to talk, to express myself a little.”
Beanum said he learned to embrace diversity, art and culture while living in Germany.
“My interest in sports came from over there,” Beanum said. “And reading, poetry. Everything that I take interest in came from Germany one way or another.”
He credits his education he received while in Germany along his parents for his development and outlook on life.
Beanum said his father’s intellect and his mother’s love of culture and people from all backgrounds, helped shape him, as did the education he received in German schools.
“Being real close-minded and set in my ways was never an option,” Beanum said. “I’m quick to pick up on something new and try something new before I say no to it.”
Beanum, 6-4, 254 pounds, 4.72 seconds in the 40-yard dash, dabbled in football in junior high, but decided it wasn’t for him. He tried again in his sophomore year but left the team before the start of season. But he came back and for his junior season and started to show signs of being a prospect.
Family problems might have played a part in his late start in football. Beanum said his parents divorced in May of 2009. “I can make excuses because because [of] my parents divorcing,” Beanum said of his late start in football. “I’m not sure, but for a while I didn’t feel driven. I didn’t have that drive to accomplish things and do things.”
Beanum said he considers himself to be a raw talent, but he is encouraged about his future.
“My 11th grade was like my introduction,” Beanum said. “My 12th grade was kind of coming into my own and honing what I had as far as skills.”
Beanum had more than 50 tackles, 5 sacks and 3 recovered fumbles during his junior season. He increased his totals 76 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 2 recovered fumbles and a forced fumble as a senior.
He earned and accepted a scholarship offer from the Hogs after making a strong impression during Arkansas’ three-day camp before his senior season. Beanum said he has read some of the message-board comments from fans questioning his ability.
“They’d say, Who is he?” Beanum said. “They would say he’s from Forrest City. Is he that good? I’ve never heard of him before. At one point and time I wanted people to know that’s Tevin Beanum that plays for the Forrest City Mustangs and he makes plays. I wanted them to know like the coaches knew.”
Mustangs Coach Rick Trail said Beanum realized he could compete with the top prospects after reading up on the other recruits on the Internet.
“If he prides himself at Arkansas like he did here in the classroom and the field, there’s no stopping him,” Trail said.
Sports, Pages 15 on 07/02/2013