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Brandon Beachum was one of two members of Penn State's Class of 2008 to graduate from high school early and enroll at the university in January. The early arrival allowed Beachum to quickly get assimilated into college life, the Nittany Lions' off-season conditioning program and spring practice. The former Cardinal Mooney HS standout 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. He also made two catches for 12 yards. With Evan Royster the lone returning running back with significant experience carrying the ball, the talented and athletic Beachum has an opportunity to earn playing time this season. He teamed with Penn State classmate Michael Zordich to lead Cardinal Mooney to the 2006 Ohio Class IV state championship and the 2007 state title game. Beachum is one of six returnees from Ohio.
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 3 ½ 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 TV series "Seinfeld." He aspires to be a marketing director. Born December 14, 1989 in Youngstown, Ohio.
