At 6’2″ and 215 pounds, linebacker and defensive end Emmanuel Beal is one of the most versatile players around. Many scouts also like that, and that’s the reason he is committed to Oklahoma University, one of the best football programs in the nation. In our conversation, we talked about the college process, his favorite players, and how the Junior College he attended, Lackawanna Community College affected his football career.
By: Peter Elliott – NFL, MLB, and NCAA writer – @PelliottSports
Peter Elliott: How did Lackawanna College change your football career?
Emmanuel Beal: Lackawanna definitely humbled me, getting recruited heavily by Michigan State out of High School and then not being NCAA eligible. Lackawanna showed me I had to work hard for everything I wanted and that made me grow as a young man.
PE: At Lackawanna, you led your conference in sacks and finished second in solo tackles. What motivated this?
EB: Last season was my first season as a linebacker and I didn’t know what I physically had to do at that position, but the support I had from my coaches and my teammates kept me motivated.
PE: At whatever school you play for in the 2016 season, will you play linebacker, defensive tackle, or both?
EB: I’ll be playing linebacker at whatever school I go to. Yes, the versatility definitely helps me as a pass rusher.
PE: Does Michigan State still have any interest in you.
EB: No, they do not have any interest in me.
PE: You just received an offer from Arizona. What makes them a program you want to play for?
EB: I don’t know how I feel about Arizona, considering I was getting recruited by coach [Defensive Line coach] Bill Kirelawich and now he’s gone and the new coaches know nothing about me and I haven’t spoken to them yet at all.
PE: So fans of Louisville and New Mexico, as well as others can hold their breath?
EB: Yes, but don’t be surprised if I happen to end up in an Oklahoma uniform next season.
PE: You said on Twitter that your last official visits were to Arizona and Oklahoma. Will you be making any unofficial visits to schools?
EB: No, I will not take any unofficial visits.
PE: What time will a decision be made?
EB: I’m not sure, but a pre-decision will be made days before just to make sure whatever school I choose is best for me.
PE: What is one quality that you possess that you’d like people to know you have?
EB: I’m a sideline to sideline player. I also have the ability to get to the quarterback quickly and in a hurry.
PE: What player do you mold your game after/look up to?
EB: [Oakland Raiders linebacker] Khalil Mack and [Denver Broncos linebacker] Von Miller.
Peter Elliott writes about the NFL, MLB, and NCAA for Talking Baws. You can follow him on Twitter @PelliottSPorts and email him at [email protected]
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