Beau English is the championship winning starting Quarterback of the Dematha Stags. He leads one of the predominant and most heralded High School football programs in the nation. Heading into his senior season, he has an opportunity to lead Dematha to an astounding 4th straight WCAC crown.
Perhaps though, even more impressive than any of his on-field accomplishments, is the young man he is off of it. Aside being an outstanding student, Beau recently decided to attend the Air Force Academy after graduation.
Chad Ricardo: Beau, As a child, when you weren’t dreaming of playing football, what were you dreaming of being?
Beau English: Football has been the dream for as long as I can remember, but other than that I wanted to be either a teacher or a lawyer.
Chad Ricardo: I can definitely see that, you have the temperament for either. Tell me this though–you’re a championship winning QB. We know who you are on the field, but who is Beau English off the field?
Beau English: Off the field I really try to be an upbeat, polite, and respectful person that everyone can get along with and in my down time I try to spend as much time with my friends and family as I can.
Chad Ricardo: Thats a textbook response. If not football, law or teaching, perhaps you should consider politics! What do you love most about being the quarterback at Dematha and what is the most challenging part?
Beau English: Being the QB at DeMatha is great because of the teammates I get to play with. I look around and at every position there are talented guys that are going to push me to be better. At DeMatha we are also a tight family so that is why I’m so glad to be a part of it. I would say the most challenging part is staying focused on the things that matter and blocking out things that don’t like rankings and everyone talking about you because a lot of that comes with being at a school in the spotlight like DeMatha.
Chad Ricardo: “Heavy is the head that wears the crown”, indeed. Did you ever want to play any other position or were you born to be a QB?
Beau English: I do believe I was born to play QB, however I love contact and I love to hit and I don’t enough of that at QB, so sometimes I dream about playing something like Strong Safety.
Chad Ricardo: Really? I guess that’s not all that surprising. I’ve seen you run over a couple of cats and lay a few others out on change of possession. Check this out though, we know how much your father loves Prince, but be honest, if he wasn’t around, would you rather listen to the Purple one or Michael Jackson?
Beau English: Haha Michael Jackson was great and all, but like you said my dad is a big Prince fan so I pretty much grew up on him, so I would have to say Prince.
Chad Ricardo: Fair enough. You did still live in your father’s house! If we’re talking all time greatest, does “The Artist” crack your top 5? Who all is in yours?
Beau English: That’s tough, but I would have to say Prince, Lil Wayne, MJ, Beyoncé, and Chief Keef.
Chad Ricardo: That’s an eclectic mix. You spread your music around like you do the ball on offense! Let’s talk fictional role models, if there is such a thing; Who is your favorite movie, comic book or cartoon character of all time? Do you feel as though you share any of the same traits as them?
Beau English: The QB from the movie Friday Night Lights is one of my favorite characters because watching at a young age made me realize the work and the expectations that would be placed on me if I continued playing quarterback, but I knew this was what I wanted the same way he did.
Chad Ricardo: That’s a darn good answer. I couldn’t have come up with better myself. How about this– Long after your playing days are over, what would you like to be remembered for?
Beau English: All I care about being remembered as is a great teammate. I want to be someone players love playing with and coaches love coaching and if I accomplish that I’ll be happy with my career.
Chad Ricardo: That says a lot. Last question. What person or persons have had the greatest influence on helping you grow into the young man you are today? And if they’re reading this now, what would you have to say to them?
Beau English: Outside of my parents I would say my Grandfather is one of my biggest influences. He is really the first one who saw athletic potential in me and told me that if I kept at it I could be great one day. One of my biggest goals in life is to start a college football game with him in attendance because that is something he really wants to see happen. I would say to him thank you for inspiring me and I am honored to bear your name and to be continuing your legacy.
Chad Ricardo: Beau English, I wish you health, happiness, success and nothing less. Thank you brother.