One of the top tacklers in the entire state of Louisiana for the Class of 2024 has made his college decision before the state of his senior year, and that is U-High linebacker Harry Beacham, who committed yesterday to the Naval Academy.
“I went up there this past Saturday on-campus for an unofficial visit. It was me and about 44 other kids that had offers. Just getting to see their whole campus, all their facilities, and all their presentations on what they had to offer, I knew within the next couple of hours on campus that this was where I wanted to be. It felt like home. All the coaches welcomed me with open arms, but it’s not just about that. With a new coach coming in like Coach Newberry, they have something special and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity. It’s such a great opportunity. They offer so much from the football side of things to the school side of things.”
U-High 2024 LB and Navy commit Harry Beacham
On the football side of things, the coaching staff gave Beacham a great recruiting pitch on why he should take his football talents to the Naval Academy, but in the end, it was the school that ended up selling itself.
“It’s great football in the American Athletic Conference and it is also the number one public school in the nation so their academics are top notch. I am a person that values academics. I never made a B at U-High. It’s about 17 people per class so it’s really about the individual relationship with the professor and then the coaches are not only building you up to be the best football player you can be, but also the best husband, son, and best fellow Midshipman you can be.”
U-High 2024 LB and Navy commit Harry Beacham
There is no doubt that the standout student athlete takes the books as seriously as he does his play on the football field posting a whopping 4.6 GPA and a 30 on his ACT. Beacham chose the Midshipman over other impressive academic programs including Harvard, Dartmouth, Georgetown, Air Force, Southeast Missouri State, Arkansas State, Marshall, Cornell, Princeton, Columbia, Louisiana Tech, and Nicholls State. Despite moving to Maryland, a lot of the Naval Academy’s Louisiana connections also played a role in his recruitment.
“My first offer from Navy was May 21st, which wasn’t too long ago, but before that, I have been in contact with their coaches. Coach Thomas, who actually played at Catholic High, has been down here two or three times. I have been talking with him over the phone, and I have been texting with one of their players Ian Pourciau, who is up there right now and played linebacker at Parkview. I’ve had a good relationship with him. That was my first visit up there and it was awesome. Obviously, Go Navy! Beat Army! It is a huge rivalry and I get the chance to play in a NFL stadium every year. It’s packed with it being the second Saturday in December and the whole nation watching. The president is there. I can’t be more excited to play and be apart of the game. It’s an incredible opportunity.”
U-High 2024 LB and Navy commit Harry Beacham
Before Beacham can focus on Army-Navy, he is focused on trying to lead the U-High Cubs to their second state championship in three years.
“It was very important for me to commit before the season. I wanted to get it done during that time period and to be honest, I didn’t think I would commit this early, but I had a good feeling, talked about it with my parents, prayed about it, and this was where I wanted to be. I called the coach up while I was at the hotel and told him I was committing.”
“Winning another state championship would mean the world. The most important thing in my eyes is going undefeated and to win the state championship as well. Obviously, I want a great season and help my teammates whenever I can. I feel it can happen and not just me, but everybody around me. We have a shot at it this year and we are going to push for it.”
U-High 2024 LB and Navy commit Harry Beacham
The Cubs defensive leader is certainly going to give it his all as he has done so for his entire prep career. In terms of getting to the ball carrier, there are not a lot of guys that have done it better as the two time All-District and All-State linebacker has had 278 tackles in a two year period.
“I just trust in my coaches, trust in all my drills, being patient, and not second guessing yourself. Just see and react and get him on the ground whether it is a form tackle or getting him by the laces. Just get him on the ground.”
U-High 2024 LB and Navy commit Harry Beacham
The 6’1, 215 pound linebacker with 4.6/40 speed leads one of the best linebacker cores in the state, which also happens to have Alec Haynes and Keylan Moses commanding the middle of the defense for the Cubs.
“I may be a little biased, but I think we are the best in the state. I really do. Me and Alec are going to man the middle. He has obviously played linebacker, but this will be the first time playing middle linebacker for us. We are going to be pretty stout and of course, Keylan, Trushaad, Patrick, and whoever is on the strong safety side and at outside linebacker are all great players.”
U-High 2024 LB and Navy commit Harry Beacham
Beacham is certainly a great linebacker and has proven to be one of the best in the state at his craft, but he is continuing to better his game in order to be an all-around linebacker when he steps on campus next fall as he is expected to be a middle linebacker himself for the Midshipmen.
“I have been working on it and I have been getting better at it, but I am working on my pass coverage. I really want to be the full package at linebacker. I do think I am getting better at it and I can’t wait to showcase my talents this season.”
“They are going to want me at mike linebacker, but all that is subject to change and if they move me, I am going to be happy about it. I’ll do whatever they need me to in order to help Navy win.”
U-High 2024 LB and Navy commit Harry Beacham
While academics certainly played a part in it as well as getting the opportunity to win games for the Midshipmen, Harry Beacham is most excited about getting the opportunity to serve his country while getting to experience the Naval Academy experience. The U-High linebacker will be taking the whole experience with a head on approach.
“They are getting themselves the kind of player Navy has been recruiting. I have been talking to some other commits. We are going to put our head down. We are going to work and do everything we can in order to make the Naval Academy successful. We are not soft. We are coming in to win however we can and we are going to do whatever we can for the person next to us.”
U-High 2024 LB and Navy commit Harry Beacham
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