Beal arrives in San Antonio with bad intentions
SAN ANTONIO - Football's a contact sport and Bethlehem (Pa.) Liberty linebacker Brendan Beal has arrived at the U.S. Army All-American Game with intentions of highlighting the more physical aspects of the game for the national television audience (Sunday, January 6, 1pm eastern on NBC).
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"A lot of coaches love me because I never give up and I give everything I have and play with bad intentions. My goal is to hurt people," said Beal. "[Fans] are going to be surprised because I have a big time motor. That was why I was recruited by a lot of schools.
"I just want to show that I am of the elite linebacking corps. I want to show my skills and that I am one of the best. I want to show my leadership and captain skills to the rest of the nation.
The 6-foot-4, 235-pound Beal arrived later than most due to a delay in his flight to San Antonio, but he quickly got acclimated to the scene.
"It's a great experience seeing all the guys you read about on Rivals.com. It's an honor to play with these guys," said Beal. "After seeing guys like Brian Cushing and Brian Toal it's been my dream to play in this game. I just want to fulfill that dream."
A Florida commitment since October, Beal plans to share with his teammates and opponents why he chose the Gators, hoping he leaves San Antonio with a few more future teammates.
"I have been talking with these guys like Brice Butler and Matt Patchan. Matt and I have been close, but he has mono so he won't make it," said Beal. "A couple of other guys are [Lerentee] McCray and [Josh] Jenkins. As it goes along I'll be talking with everyone to see who still has interest in Florida.
"I'll basically see how our relationship develops and show them basically this is what will happen the next four years – develop that family aspect that Florida does have. I want other kids to see what I saw down there."
Beal is not letting the ultimate goal of the week – win the game – slip by him either and he takes pride in representing his side of the country.
"This game is just to have fun and represent yourself and the U.S. Army, but of course you have to represent the East Coast," Beal added.