Chat with James Beavers
April 29, 2004 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Evansville BlueCats News Release
James Beavers signed with the Evansville Bluecats this season having the reputation of being a great defensive lineman. He also came with the reputation of being a big talker. Beavers will talk smack to anyone, and he will back it up. There have been times this year that he has lived up to the big talker reputation, but according to Beavers, "I've been quiet this year. I've toned it down some. I have to get back to talking more."
Beavers is 6'0" and 270 pounds. In the everyday world, he is a large man. In the world of an NIFL lineman, he is very small. "I have been the smallest guy all my life. People always want to put me at linebacker. I can play linebacker. But, I like that it is more of a fight on the line. I like that contact." Being a small guy, Beavers has to use any advantage that he can get. This is when the "smack talking" James Beavers takes over. "With my size, I have to make up for it," Beavers said. He said that in the past his coaches have taken him aside before the game just to make him mad. According to Beavers, "I play better when I am angry. I think to much when I am not talking." Beavers feels that he needs to get out there and just play. "The indoor game is meant to be an offensive circus." It is tough to play defense.
Beavers' good friend is the Bluecats Regional Scouting Coordinator and starting running back Michael Cosey. "When Michael tells me the sky is blue, it is." Beavers said that Cosey told him that the Bluecats were in a place to make some waves so he decided to give it a shot. Beavers also learned that defensive back Scotty Stewart and offensive lineman Bruce Jackson had signed with the Bluecats. Beavers and Jackson have not only been teammates since 1991, they have been roommates the entire time as well. Beavers has also played with wide receivers Byron Curtis and John Gordon in the past. Beavers said, "There is a reason we are all here, a good season is not out of reach."
The start of the 2004 season has been tough on Beavers. Before moving to Evansville to play for the Bluecats, Beavers married his long-time girlfriend Angela. Angela stayed in Knoxville, where Beavers is from, because she has a career of her own. Angela's career has her traveling to many different places. "It has been really hard being away from my wife." Beavers has not only had to handle the long-distance relationship of a new marriage but the rough start to the Bluecats season. Beavers is pleased with the talent that the Bluecats have and said, "We are getting our losses out of the way early. Every team we have lost to we will see again. We are just a couple of sandwiches away from a good picnic." Beavers said that he compares the Bluecats to most teams with two quarterbacks. It is tough for the offense to get in rhythm. "We have a lot of proven playmakers. We just need a QB to step up."
At age 31, Beavers said he is in his last year as a player. In the future, he would like to coach. "Coach Guidry has taken me under his wing and showed me some things," Beavers said. He would come back to Evansville to coach in the future if things worked out that way. "If I were a head coach, there are several guys playing for the Bluecats that I would like to coach with," Beavers said. In his free time, Beavers tries to get his "old bones" ready to play the next game. He also consumes himself with the next team the Bluecats play by watching a lot of game film and studying scouting reports. Outside of football, he is also looking for a job. He has a business degree from Knoxville College.
The Bluecats opponent this Saturday night is the Ft. Wayne Freedom. The Bluecats were roughed up in an 80-41 season opening loss to the Freedom. Beavers said that he "struggled, trying to make things happen. There were a lot more mental mistakes than physical ones. We really have a lot to prove to Ft. Wayne." The Bluecats and Freedom meet in the Fishbowl at Roberts Stadium this Saturday, May 1st. Kickoff is set for 7:05 PM. Beavers said, "I want Evansville to know that we owe them, and we will pay up!"
National Indoor Football League Stories from April 29, 2004
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- Chat with James Beavers - Evansville BlueCats
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- Diesel Sign Veteran DB in Preparation for Bandits - Tri-City Diesel
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