WATCH ABOVE: The Edmonton Eskimos entire 2015 draft class made the roster to start the season and that includes local product David Beard who is living out a dream suiting up for his hometown team. Quinn Phillips reports.
EDMONTON – Local product David Beard has only played 16 games at offensive line, but the 6’5″ Eskimos 2015 second-round draft pick’s athletic ability showed at training camp, and he’s sticking with the team.
“When you’re that size and you’re that athletic, the sky’s the limit,” said head coach Chris Jones. “He’s got really good lower body flexibility; his change of direction is really good. I mean it’s a big learning curve for him but he’s learning very quickly.”
“I don’t want to give him too much credit because he’s a rookie,” laughed CFL veteran Greg Wojt. “He’s doing a great job so far. The only thing he needs to know is there’s going to be setbacks, but you gotta keep your head up and you need to learn from them, rather than bring yourself down.”
Beard spent four seasons with the University of Alberta Bears program, it was just two seasons ago head coach Chris Morris moved him to the offensive line from the defensive line. He went from going forward, to backing up during play.
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“I have tons and tons of growing to do, but yeah it’s exciting to find out I have that capability,” said Beard.
Before the draft, Beard admitted it would be a dream come true to be selected by the home town team. He has long been a fan of the green and gold.
“This is a very rare opportunity,” said Beard.
“Not a whole lot of people get this chance… I’m definitely not taking it for granted.”
Beard is ecstatic about the group he gets to learn from. Wojt, a seven-year veteran, is one of the many he’s taking tips from.
“He’s been hanging on to every word that the veterans give him,” said Wojt. “He’s just done a tremendous job adapting to practices and picking things up on the go.”
WATCH: Beard answers some questions from Quinn Phillips
Beard said in the CIS with the Bears, you’re given your job and you go out and do it.
“Something that I’ve observed has been a lot more broader perspective in terms of the game plans and the schemes and the whole purpose behind what you’re doing.
“Its been really helpful to gather that from the vets and see how those concepts apply.”
Not to be forgotten in all the excitement is that the Bears football program at the U of A is losing a big piece. And Beard says this step comes with mixed emotions; if he could do both, he would.
“Feeling like I may not have completely finished my time at the U of A. But that’s okay. I know that the team at U of A are always going to be brothers and they’re supporting me in my journey.”
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