Rookie Spotlight: Vic Beasley Will Be An Every-Down Player For Atlanta Falcons
By Danny Cox
Name: Vic Beasley
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 246 lbs.
Position: Outside Linebacker
School: Clemson
Draft Pick: Eighth overall in First Round
The Atlanta Falcons had a chance at winning the weak NFC South last year, but it was often the defensive side of the ball where they came up short. Some changes were made in the offseason, but perhaps the biggest addition is that of rookie outside linebacker Vic Beasley out of Clemson.
Beasley went to Adairsville High School in Georgia where he was a standout athlete in football, track, and basketball. During his time on the field in high school, he played both linebacker and running back, but it was on defense where he excelled.
As a senior in high school, he not only had 120 rushes for 828 yards and seven touchdowns, but he recorded 102 tackles and an interception on defense. That's not even including seven punt returns, two brought back for touchdowns, and an 80-yard kickoff return score as well.
He chose Clemson over a couple other schools and redshirted his first year in college. His second year saw him play in just nine games while only getting two tackles. As a sophomore, Beasley began racking up the numbers and really bringing some focus onto himself.
During his sophomore season, Vic Beasley chalked up 18 tackles and eight sacks, but he was only beginning. Through the first six games of his junior campaign, he led the nation in sacks and finished the season with a whopping 13.
Vic Beasley stayed in school for his senior season when he was projected as a second round pick in the NFL Draft. Entering his senior season, he had 21 career sacks, which was seven short of setting the school record. He broke that record by October and went on to be named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
Now, the Atlanta Falcons have a young, talented, quick and strong linebacker that will instantly make an impact on defense. He's already grown accustomed to the style and speed of NFL play, and wants to be an every-down player.
The Falcons will likely rely on Beasley to be a big-time pass rusher and go after the quarterback quite often. If he has it his way, Vic Beasley is going after opposing quarterbacks, running backs, lineman, and wide receivers en route to being one of the best defensive players in the NFL.
Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
