Beasley trying to prove himself

The 6-foot-3, 270-pound offensive lineman surely caught some recruiters’ interest at this month’s Nike Camp in Columbus, Ohio.

The Dyersburg High School star placed sixth out of 68 offensive linemen in a size-to-speed ratio called a Sparq Rating, according to his father, Jeff Beasley.

J.T. Beasley ran the 40-yard dash in 4.95 seconds, ran the shuttle in 4.44 seconds, bench pressed 185-pounds for 21 repetitions and posted a 25-inch vertical leap.

Beasley is also a strong student. He has a 3.96 grade point average and a 30 on the ACT.

So, why does Beasley have to prove himself?

It all began last year when Beasley suffered a torn ACL in the season opening football jamboree. The injury was later shown to be a partial tear so Beasley returned for the final two games of the season.

The absence during his junior season meant most college recruiters weren’t aware of him as a top prospect.

Beasley has scholarship offers from Mississippi State and Middle Tennessee. Tennessee is still evaluating.

Ultimately, Beasley will have to prove himself on the football field this season in order for that list to grow. Beasley hopes one of the schools he can impress is UT.

Beasley’s parents are season ticket holders at UT so the desire is obvious.

If Beasley lives up to his athletic potential this fall, he could be the surprise prospect in all of Tennessee, no matter where he ends up playing.