As a kid, you normally grow up seeing the local school superstars as your heroes. Then it becomes time for you to be that superstar on and off the field. Anthony Beavers Jr. is the one who is living out his social media handle “dreamchasertone.”
Beavers is an old-school throwback student-athlete who has goals on both sides of the coin. Now playing his Redshirt Junior season of football with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in occupational science.
“When Tony received his BA, felt like I myself had received a BA,” said Anthony Beavers Sr., “I felt like all of the sacrifices I had made over the last 21 years had come to fruition and it was one of the proudest days of my life.”
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As a college graduate with athletic eligibility left, Beavers can pursue a master’s degree in applied psychology and a certificate in Gerontology. Still striving for more education, using his athletic talent with his scholarship to be more than just a football player.
“I’ve always exposed [Beavers Jr.] to what football can do for him and what a career with USC backing him can do for him,” said Beavers Sr. “Let’s keep it 100, a lot of these kids are just dumb jock, but Anthony has maintained a 3.5+ since he hit middle school. His little brother Kristopher graduated with a 4.3 GPA.”
The day Beavers Jr. graduated, the family received the news that Kristopher earned a partial academic scholarship to Xavier University of Louisiana. This was the icing on the cake for the Beavers Family.
“I think it was something that was very fulfilling being the first to graduate,“ said Beavers Jr. “This felt like I kind of broke a little generational curse.”
On the gridiron, Beavers Jr. is making contributions for the Trojans that have not always shown up on the stat sheet. Climbing through a crowded depth chart, choosing to ‘Fight On’ for reps is not always the easiest road to take or stay on. He has continued to stay the course even with others in college football jumping into the transfer portal to see if the grass is greener on the other side.
“He’s been playing nickel, sam, safety, will, dime, he’s kind of been playing everywhere and just because of his body type and versatility. I feel like the more he can do, he’s going to be on the field.” said defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn.
Finding a way on the field to make plays for USC is the attitude that fuels Beavers Jr. Last season, starting the bowl game was a highlight that allowed time for him to shine and make plays. With 29 games and counting under his belt, you can look for #15.
“I definitely think it’s a unique opportunity for me to create value within [the] program doing different things,” said Beavers Jr.
We get to see a kid who is not afraid to compete for playing time and who is making the most of his athletic scholarship during the new era. We have seen kids redshirt, or jump in the transfer portal. Even with options, there is something to be said when you make the most out of the current situation and water the grass you stand on.
“My kids are very smart and would never make an emotional decision based on haste or football,” said Beavers Sr.
