FORT SMITH — Pine Bluff junior safety David Beasley wasn’t pleased with his performance in a 26-15 losing effort to Forth Smith Northside on Friday.
“I expect to be a leader this year,” Beasley said. “I’m trying to step up. I’m disappointed, I think I played a bad game. I feel like this lost was my fault.”
Beasley, 6-2, 185 pounds was named to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Super Sophomore team after recording 30 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 18 pass breakups and 1 interception last year. Video highlights CLICK HERE
He made one of the impressive plays the Friday’s game when he fielded a punt near his goal line and returned it 59 yards, but it was negated by penalty.
“I saw the man about five to ten yards from me,” Beasley said. “I just made a move and got a couple of yards and saw the opening and hit the hole.”
Arkansas along with Alabama, Ohio State, Ole Miss and Arkansas State have showed interest in Beasley. Hogs tight end coach Barry Lunney Jr. was the only one to direct message him On Sept. 1, the first day college could contact juniors.
“He said he’s going to watch the film,” said Beasley of the Northside game. “He said I have three tickets to any home game. I’m going to the one against Georgia with (John) Tate and I’m going to the Alabama game and another game.”
From a physical standpoint, Beasley was the most impressive athlete among the college prospects on both sides of the field. He had 5 tackles and a reception for 9 yards against the Grizzlies.
“David really played hard in all phases of the game,” said Zebra coach Bobby Bolding said. “With the exception of the botched punt, he really got after it on both sides.”
Striving to become a better player, Beasley said he’s improved since last season and is optimistic about the Zebra’s defensive scheme.
“I feel like I’m a better cover man,” he said. “They moved us down to eight yards so we can play the run better. I’m going to come for tackling. I want to have at least 80 tackles this year or more.”
He knows what he has to do get more attention from colleges.
“I have to bring my grades up,” Beasley said. “I have to get my ACT score up, my grade point average. I have to get that up to 3.0 or better. My momma has been pushing me and I’ve been doing homework every night. I’m trying to be an all around kid.”