Luke Nicholson: Who is your biggest role model? Why?
Justin Beaver: My grandparents are my biggest role models because they have been through so much, and worked so hard for what they have. It has been an honor to be partially raised by such amazing people.
Luke Nicholson: What is your greatest football moment to date?
Justin Beaver: There are so many to chose from, but if I had to choose one, it would be winning the national title in 07’ after being there and losing in 05’ and 06’.
Luke Nicholson: Is there a situation in your past where you overcame adversity? How did you do it and how has it made you a better person?
Justin Beaver: There have been many situations where I have overcome adversity. Losing my father right before the start of my senior year of high school was the most difficult time of my life. Waking up at 3 in the morning to hear those words that somebody I loved has died will never leave my memory. In my opinion most people that lost their father and had no idea where there mother was would have taken a dive for the worst. I looked at the situation as a challenge, knowing I would never be faced with a more difficult situation, and if I could find a way to bounce back from the death of my father, other life’s obstacles would come easy. I surrounded myself with amazing friends, and a very supportive family and decided to live my life to honor my father and make his dreams for me come true. Working through such adversity at a young age allowed me to develop a never give up attitude. It has also helped me understand how short life can be and to live each day to its fullest. Most importantly the dramatic experience has allowed me to be a role model and help other people understand the importance of life.
Luke Nicholson: What sports did you participate in during high school and how have they helped you to become a better player on the football field?
Justin Beaver: All the sports I played in high school were to get better for football. I played basketball and ran track to increase my speed and quickness. After practice each day I also took time to lift weights 3 nights a week. Being a three sport athlete has helped me gain speed, agility, how to lead a team, and most importantly how to react to pressure situations. I’m very thankful to have had such a great football coach to push me into playing other sports besides football.
Luke Nicholson: Under what word would your picture be found in the dictionary?
Justin Beaver: Humble
Luke Nicholson: Who is the best player you have faced during your career?
Justin Beaver: Besides the great players on my own team, I would have to say a linebacker from Mary Hardin-Baylor named Jerrell Freeman.
Luke Nicholson: How has playing with Danny Jones helped your development and do you see a future in the NFL for your teammate?
Justin Beaver: Danny helped my development as a football player before the season even started. When he moved here from California we ended up living right next to each other, so I had the chance to run routes during the summer out of the backfield and out of the slot. I have talked to Danny many times about pursuing the NFL dream but he has decided to finish school and maybe coach 08’.
Luke Nicholson: If you could have any super power, what would you choose? Why?
Justin Beaver: I would pick the power to heal. I hate seeing people hurt. It would be nice to have to ability to heal people’s physical and emotional pains.
Luke Nicholson: What one thing do you have to work on the most to excel at the NFL level?
Justin Beaver: Being an “undersized” back I feel it’s a challenge to be a superior pass blocker. I am a perfectionist so I do different drills to become the best pass blocker I can be.
Luke Nicholson: What current NFL player does your game most resemble?
Justin Beaver: Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson
Luke Nicholson: If someone decided to make a movie about your life, what actor would play you and what would the movie be titled?
Justin Beaver: Chad Michael Murray - HEART
Luke Nicholson: Explain your thoughts on your Pro Day performance.
Justin Beaver: My Pro Day went well and it shows that hard work and dedication pays off. I’ve been asked a number of times if I was surprised to have run such great times. My answer is no, because I knew coming out of college that if I got a chance to show my speed and agility I would compare to backs at the Division 1 level. Thankfully I got one chance and that’s what I did.
Luke Nicholson: Which NFL teams attended your Pro Day and which showed interest in you particularly?
Justin Beaver: There were approximately 15 NFL teams represented at the pro day. The teams that paid particular attention to me were the Packers, Ravens, Colts and Patriots.
Luke Nicholson: Is there a specific team you hope to play for?
Justin Beaver: It’s been my dream to play on a NFL team since I can remember. I want to make a team better; I’m not picky about what team it is.
Luke Nicholson: Are you a cat or a dog? Why?
Justin Beaver: This is the best question so far. If I had to pick I would say a dog because they can be taught new things and respond well to people.
Luke Nicholson: Why should a NFL team select you over other running backs in this draft?
Justin Beaver: Because my love for the game along with my heart and determination. It may not be impossible to find a running back that put himself through college while playing the game he loves without scholarships. But it will be impossible to find those same traits in a person who worked so hard and is ranked #1 and #3 in Division III in rushing yards in a season, along with being 11th all time in rushing yards in a career in all divisions. My pro day numbers aren’t too bad either.
Luke Nicholson: What are your plans for your career after football?
Justin Beaver: I will graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to become a physical education teacher with a minor in special education. I would love to teach at the high school or elementary level and also coach football, basketball, and track.
Luke Nicholson: If you could run behind any NFL fullback, who would you choose? Why?
Justin Beaver: There are many skilled fullbacks in the NFL but after watching Tony Richardson in his many years as a NFL fullback I have great confidence in him. He has also blocked for many great running backs such as Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson and Chester Taylor to name a few.
Luke Nicholson: Finish the following sentence: Justin Beaver is faster than…
Justin Beaver: A high percentage of the running backs in the 2008 draft.
Luke Nicholson: Are you a better running back or kick returner? Do you believe you can excel in both roles at the NFL level?
Justin Beaver: I feel very comfortable at both running back and kick returner as well as returning punts and being a gunner on the punt team. I strongly believe I can excel at many roles. Like I have said before, it’s always my goal to outwork, which has always lead to a great performance and until hard work stops paying off I will always perform.
