2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Brendan Beaulieu, WR, Bemidji State

- Name: Brendan Beaulieu
- Height: 6’3”
- Weight: 215 lbs.
- Position: WR
- College: Bemidji State University
- Twitter: BrendanBeau21
- Instagram: brendanb21
Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I recently graduated with my undergrad in Project Management with an emphasis in Operations. I’m currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration. One of the groups that I have participated in was the Dance Club.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My best quality is my knowledge of the game. I have the ability to process defenses pre-snap and post-snap, and adjust my routes accordingly.
What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I am one of the leaders on our team. I have been active on the Leadership Council for 4 years. On the field, my QB and coaches know that I am a reliable guy. The scheme and look my way often, allowing me to go up and get the ball.
For all of my career, even going back to high school, I have been part of a spread offense. I’ve been used as a deep threat as well as the possession guy, running underneath routes. I have occasionally been used as a QB in certain packages. I also pride myself in my blocking ability.
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Gunner Olszewski was a guy that I practiced against when he was here at Bemidji playing corner. He flew around all the time making plays, having great football instincts. He really helped me develop into a good player, showing me how to practice and go about my routines.
Michael Kirkendall was a corner at Minnesota Duluth who you knew prepared for the game. He has us schemed up and made me work for everything I got.
Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
My QB, Brandon Alt, impresses me a lot. He fought hard through injury, eventually coming back to have a great season as a Harlon Hill Finalist. He’s a crazy athlete who makes everyone around him better. He has a good knowledge of the game and studies hard. Brandon is very accurate, has the ability to find his target, and even throw guys open.
Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Back in my early seasons at Bemidji State, I struggled gaining weight and didn’t have the greatest nutritional plan. With the pandemic shutting down our season, I took the opportunity to really put an emphasis on nutrition and the weight room. I finally got myself to a comfortable weight around 210 pounds and still felt good. That was important to me because I wanted to overcome being a scrawny player who wasn’t perceived as being durable.
As the 2021 went on, I had some injuries that I had to fight through although with my new frame, I was able to endure. I played through 2 AC joint issues and bursitis in my knee. Having the weight and extra muscle really helped me push through the season. It also gave me more confidence. I felt unstoppable and much more physical as a receiver, ultimately having a fantastic All-American season.
If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Basketball. I really liked basketball growing up. It was the first sport I really fell in love with. I played in high school, thinking that I might even play in college, but of course I decided to pursue football.
What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m most proud of winning our division, being the NSIC Champion and going to the playoffs for the first time in Bemidji State’s history. I obtained several accolades during the 2021 season which include being the single season reception (76) and receiving yard (1318) leader as well as being named an All-American.
Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
One of the most memorable plays that I have witnessed was during our homecoming game in 2019 against Augustana. We had just scored a touchdown in the last minute of the game, putting the game at 20-19 before the conversion. We went for a 2-point play to win the game using a trick play. Our RB Makaio Harn threw it to Matt Gross to win the game.
One of my best moments happened this past season when we played against Augustana in the playoffs. We opened up the game on our very first play with a 46-yard bomb down the field. That set the tone for the game. I had 3 receptions on that drive, ending with a 23-yard TD pass from Brandon Alt.
Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I’m a big Minnesota Vikings fan. Adam Thielen is my favorite player who I try to model my game after. He also wears #19. He has a great work ethic and catches almost everything. We have a similar kind of story, and he motivates me to be a good player.
Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Jon Bellion is one of my favorite music artists. Before a game, I’m usually listening to a mix of hard rock.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Home cooked steak and shrimp.
Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite movie is the Dark Knight.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I like to play video games. During the summer, I like to go out on the lake. I enjoy water sports.
Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I love the sport of football and every aspect of it. The weight room, training, practicing, and being out there making plays. I want to go out there and be great. I don’t just want to be average. I want to be a great leader and example, giving it 100% all the time, but also taking care of my body and being part of a winning team.
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