Jack of all trades
Plainfield senior a starter as both a receiver and linebacker
By Mike Beas
The larger a high school’s enrollment, the less chance the football program will feature a player excelling on both sides of the line of scrimmage.
At least, that’s usually the case.
Nonetheless, Plainfield, which is classified as a 5A ball club, features one such throwback athlete in Jack Beebe, a 6 foot, 2 inch, 205-pound senior who is as important for the Quakers as a deep-field threat on offense as he is a surefire tackler on defense.
A receiver/linebacker, Beebe entered the season with 42 receptions and 59 tackles, numbers he’s currently in the process of playing the sport at the next level whether it’s Division I, II, III or NAIA.
Wherever he goes, Beebe, who is being projected by most college recruiters as a linebacker, will take with him an unparalleled work ethic on the field and off. He maintains a 4.45 grade point average at Plainfield and is looking to perhaps major in business management after graduation.
Beebe will likely have to gain anywhere from 20 to 30 pounds to play the position in college, but he’s enjoying helping the Quakers as a two-way player for as long as possible. In the team’s season-opening loss to defending 6A state champion Carmel, Beebe was credited with six tackles, six catches and even four rushing attempts.
“I definitely think Jack is a kid whose worth to the program is on the field,” said 15th-year Quakers head coach Brian Woodard. “Jack is not a rah-rah guy. He’s most comfortable leading on the field.”
Beebe recently did a Q&A with ICON:
Q: It’s unusual for a Class 5A program like Plainfield to have a player who starts on both offense and defense. How do you like shouldering so much responsibility in practices and games?
A: It’s cool playing both ways. I love being on the field and being involved. Whatever it takes. I like both positions, and I definitely feel they help each other. Being a receiver helps more with being a linebacker, but they do feed off each other.
Q: As a senior, how concerned are you that the COVID-19 pandemic might limit the number of games you play this season?
A: I’d be lying if I said I don’t think about not having a season, but once it’s go time, I’m just thinking about what I’m doing.
Q: You are one of four captains on this year’s Plainfield squad, the others being classmates Aiden Moyers (quarterback), Dylan Ponder (offensive lineman) and Hunter Hrbek (defensive back). What is your method of leading, particularly when it comes to the program’s younger players?
A: It’s an honor to be a captain and know that your teammates respect you. I’m not a vocal leader, but I’m trying to grow into that role. I think I’m a pretty outgoing guy, but when it’s game time, I just focus on doing my job.
