wiuathletics.com went inside with 2007 Leatherneck Football sophomore fullback David Beaver. Each day throughout camp and the remainder of preseason practice, wiuathletics.com will preview a different position and feature a different player.

Q: You were recruited as a linebacker and will now play this season as a fullback. What was it like making that position change?

A: Being baptized by the dark side is what we like to call it. There is a hard work ethic on defense and I played my freshman years there as a linebacker, which is just playing like an animal and flying around making plays. On offense you have to be perfect and precise on everything you do. For me it was hard to get the plays and techniques down that were proper to play offense.

Q: How have your experiences as a linebacker helped you to be a better fullback?

A: Mental toughness and I have the ability to kind of point out the different defensive strengths and weaknesses because I've been there myself. I can key in and watch how players play so I can make better plays on offense by learning what their techniques are.

Q: What is your favorite part about being a fullback?

A: You get a chance to run the ball and score touchdowns. When you do land a nice block and the runningback scores or the quarterback throws a touchdown pass, you feel just as good.

Q: The first game is around the corner, but school just started. How did you spend your summer?

A: I went home for two weeks and then I came back to Macomb and lived with Tim Jackson. We worked out with the team every morning and then we did some home improvement stuff because we got a new house this summer--so we were the home improvement guys.

Q: What is it like living with Tim Jackson and Taylor Rowan, two players that play different positions then you?

A: The funny thing with Tim is that the same year he was a running back, I was a linebacker and when he made the switch so did I. So we're never on the same side of the ball and we always joke around that it was a fair trade for him to go from running back to safety and me from linebacker to fullback. Well then there's Taylor, who is the kicker and we always poke fun at him for that because you just have to. It's good living with them though.

Q: I heard that you are a part of an organization called Athletes in Action. What is Athletes in Action?

A: Athletes in Action is a group of athletes, it doesn't all have to be athletes because anyone can come but we focus on how can connect our play on the field with our relationship with Jesus Christ and how we can use the Lord's power in our sport and in life.

Q: How did you become a part of Athletes in Action?

A: It actually all started with me talking to a Campus Crusade staff member in Central Illinois in August of 2005. I got in contact with him as a redshirt freshman because I wanted Campus Crusade or Athletes in Action on campus and we started in the basement of Thompson Hall. It started out with me and a couple of my friends including my teammates Tim, Taylor and Sam Dancer and from there it has grown to include a lot more sports.

Q: About how many people come and when do you meet?

A: We average about 20-25 people and we meet Tuesday nights at 8:00. We're actually having a BBQ this Friday at my house and anyone can come. You don't have to be a part of Athletes in Action, we just want to get the word out and have fun.


Q: It's obvious that you are close with your teammates. Who did you become closest to at camp this year?

A: During camp I was closest with the new incoming freshman Josh Gabelmann who is also a fullback. We were roommates and I know what it's like to be an incoming freshman and not knowing anyone. We talked a lot. We went over plays, talked about high school football and what he should expect in the classroom, on campus and on the field so it was nice to talk with him and kind of coach him through some things.


Q: What was your favorite part of camp?

A: My favorite part of camp was watching the other players that weren't here for summer conditioning do their conditioning tests, while me and the other players that were here all summer working out were able to sit back and relax and cheer them on. It was all worth it.


Q: If you had to tell somebody coming to play for the Leathernecks what camp was like, what advice would you give them?

A: I would say that it is all about perseverance. The first step is camp. You have to persevere through camp. Camp was hard for me the first year, not knowing anyone and not knowing what to expect. From there you persevere thrrough the season and winter conditioning and it's a whole cycle.

Q: What is something a coach said to you since you started practice this season that really stuck with you?

A: I remember a meeting with Coach P (Don Patterson) that he said to get something that you've never had, say a championship ring, you have to do something that you've never done. This year we are looking forward to doing more things that we haven't done in the past in order to get that championship ring.

Q: Sunday was an day off for the team. How did you spend it?

A: I went to church with my girlfriend and a couple of teammates. From there we grilled out and relaxed the rest of the day.

Q: How would you describe the major strengths of this year's team?

A: Our conditioning and our mental toughness. We had such hot days during camp, hotter then I've ever had here at Western, and I can see it in everyone that when it gets hot we still stay focused and get the job done.

Q: What are you looking forward to most about the upcoming season?

A: I'm looking forward to getting some playing time. In the years past I haven't had too much playing time because of injury and I was just a freshman on the field last year. This year I am anticipating and hoping to earn my spot for some playing time.