| Brandon Beachum |
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A great play is often defined by its supporting cast -- the unsung players who open holes and make punctuating downfield blocks. Such was the case during Derrick Williams' 94-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to lift the Nittany Lions to their eventual 14-point win over Illinois last year. Williams' electrifying play was made possible by a stifling downfield block by tailback Brandon Beachum. With the Fightin' Illini's Matt Eller as the only remaining defender in Williams' path, Beachum socked Eller at midfield, enabling the returner to blaze past to score untouched on the first play of the fourth quarter. With one season under his belt, Beachum is likely to produce more outstanding plays as a runner, receiver, blocker and on special teams. A strong runner and blocker, he ran for 114 yards and one touchdown last season and gained extensive repetitions during spring practice. The talented and swift Beachum will be vying for time in the deep tailback rotation with Evan Royster, Stephfon Green, Brent Carter and Joe Suhey. Beachum and linebacker Michael Zordich were prep teammates at Cardinal Mooney, helping their team to the 2006 Ohio Division IV state championship and the 2007 state title game. Beachum is one of seven returning Nittany Lions from Ohio.
2008 Freshman Season
Beachum was one of three true freshmen to play in every game. Playing on the offense and special teams, he had the opportunity to carry the ball in seven games, gaining 114 yards on 28 carries (4.1) and scoring one touchdown. He gained a season-high 43 yards on just eight carries in the opener with Coastal Carolina, scoring on a one-yard run. He gained 39 yards on nine attempts in the win over Temple. Beachum threw a crucial downfield block to clear the path for Derrick Williams' 94-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to lift the Nittany Lions to their eventual 14-point win over Illinois. Beachum gained eight yards on his only carry against Southern California in the 2009 Rose Bowl. He also recorded eight tackles and was on the field for 269 snaps, led by 34 plays against Coastal Carolina and 28 in the Rose Bowl. Beachum joined linebacker Michael Mauti as early enrollees, starting their Penn State careers in January 2008. Beachum looked like a veteran in the 2008 Blue-White game, as he led the victorious Blue squad with 55 rushing yards on just seven carries for a superb 7.9 average.
High School
Beachum was a standout at Cardinal Mooney HS as a junior and senior for Coach P.J. Fecko. He was selected an All-American by Rivals.com, first-team All-Ohio, All-Northeast Ohio and all-conference. Beachum was instrumental in Cardinal Mooney advancing to the state championship game twice. The team lost to Coldwater, 28-27, in the 2007 OHSAA Division IV state championship game. Beachum ran for 191 yards on 34 carries (5.6 avg.) and assisted on four tackles. Cardinal Mooney won the 2006 OHSAA Division IV state championship, finishing 14-0. Beachum ran for 61 yards and scored a touchdown. On defense, he made seven tackles, recovered a fumble and returned an interception 34 yards. During his senior season, he ran for 1,525 yards, for an average of 117.3 per game. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry and scored 14 touchdowns, despite missing two games with an injury. He also recorded 22 solo tackles and assisted on 30 others, recording 2.5 sacks. Beachum attended Poland Seminary HS as a freshman and sophomore, where he played football and ran track. He also played basketball at Cardinal Mooney. Beachum graduated from high school in 3½ years.
Personal
Full name is Brandon M. Beachum. He is the son of Lock Beachum Jr. and Michelle Whipple. He has three younger siblings -- Victor, Patterson and Nyomi. Beachum enjoys drawing and watching the television series "Seinfeld." He aspires to be a marketing director. Born December 14, 1989 in Youngstown, Ohio.
