Steve Beauharnais expected to play, just not this much. And he expected to start, just not this year.
But the true freshman linebacker caught the eyes of the Rutgers football team’s coaching staff. When given the opportunity to play, he made an impact on the game as well.
After playing special teams for the first eight games with appearances at linebacker late in games against Howard and Texas Southern, Beauharnais started at linebacker against South Florida.
But the Saddle Brook, N.J., native is willing to play anywhere on the field.
“I had the mindset that I wasn’t going to redshirt, but I didn’t expect to play this much,” Beauharnais said. “I like where I’m playing, I like my position. I really don’t care where anyone puts me; I can line up at defensive tackle, end or safety, as long as I’m playing.”
Beauharnais is the backup strongside linebacker behind senior Damaso Munoz and a linebacker unit that anchors the Scarlet Knights’ defense.
But against the running threat that USF quarterback B.J. Daniels posed last Thursday, Beauharnais played along side Munoz in a nickel package that put more speed on the field.
It just so happened that the Knights used that package on their first defensive play.
“I didn’t know [I was going to start],” Beauharnais said. “It was because of the personnel and when coach called my number, I was ready to go in. It was a good feeling. The whole season I was second string or special teams and next thing you know I’m on defense making the calls. But my teammates gave me confidence, so it wasn’t a problem.”
Along with that confidence, Beauharnais said he is a natural at the RU defense’s motto: Swarm the ball.
Both contributed to the freshman’s opportunity to see the field so early.
“The easiest is swarming to the football — that’s all I know how to do,” Beauharnais said. “The hardest part is identifying the personnel and knowing where I have to line up every time.”
But the 19 year-old did not show any signs of confusion.
“He played very well [against South Florida],” said head coach Greg Schiano. “He played at a high speed and very physical. He is a promising young guy.”
Beauharnais said he shows that promise because of his preparation.
Senior linebacker Ryan D’Imperio and junior Antonio Lowery both said the Knights’ defensive scheme is usually tough for freshmen to grasp.
Beauharnais understands it just fine.
“It was difficult at first, but when you understand the concept of a defense it’s not hard at all,” he said. “Now I’m just playing football.”
When he’s not playing football, Beauharnais is watching film — one of the biggest changes from high school and a reason for his quick success.
“I watched a little more film than my teammates did [in high school], but I watch way more now than I did by myself then,” the St. Joseph’s product said. “It’s a big change. I do a lot of preparation and pay attention to the details. That’s what’s important around here — to pay attention to the details — so that’s what I want to do.”
Beauharnais plays big role as true freshman
Published: Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Updated: Tuesday, November 17, 2009
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