Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, February 15, 1994 TAG: 9402150082
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Doug Doughty
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Beason, a 6-foot-2, 220-pounder, had 66 tackles for Northside High School and was an All-Region III choice at defensive end.
"We had every hope that somebody would recognize his ability," Northside coach Jim Hickam said. "We've had bigger players, but, as far as what happened on the field, he was as good as anybody."
Beason, who was selected to the All-Timesland second team, played offensive guard for the Vikings, but new VMI coach Bill Stewart is interested in him as a center.
"Over the last three years he's been our best blocker at the point of attack," Hickam said.
Beason is one of six known VMI signees, including defensive end Mike Rogers from E.C. Glass in Lynchburg and two-way lineman J.P. Mahaffey from Brookville in Lynchburg, both rated among the state's second 25 prospects by the Roanoke Times & World-News. VMI intends to announce its signees later in the week.
Memo: shorter version ran in the Metro edition.