Azusa Pacific University Athletics

THIS YEAR: Sophomore Brandon Beckwith moves from the secondary closer to the line of scrimmage at the "whip" and "bandit" in the Cougars' "odd-front" scheme ... Figures to battle for playing time as a key reserve ... Expected to be a primary player on special teams, particularly on kickoffs.

2008 (freshman): As a 2008 true-freshman made quite an impression during 2-a-days in August and was selected to play as a true freshman ...Appeared in 3 games, all on kickoff special teams ... Assisted on a tackle vs. Wisconsin-La Crosse.

HIGH SCHOOL: Played 3 seasons of varsity football for head coach Mark Pasquarella at Glendora (Calif.) High ... Was a 2-year starter in the Tartan secondary, compiling 60 tackles and 5 interceptions over the course of his junior and senior campaigns ... Best outings came as a 2006 junior when twice he tallied career-high 7 tackles in a game ... As a 2007 senior, helped lead Glendora to a 42-7 win over Diamond Bar (Calif.) High with a pair of interceptions ... Was a key member of Glendora's undefeated Sierra League championship team in 2007 ... Tartans advanced to the CIF playoffs both seasons, moving into the quarterfinals in 2007 ... Also lettered 2 years in basketball, averaging 2.4 points as a forward over the course of his career ... As a senior was a key reserve for a Tartan squad that went 21-11 and advanced to the CIF semifinals ... Named All-Sierra League Scholar-Athlete as a junior.

PERSONAL: Born Jan. 12, 1990, in Glendora, Calif. ... Parents are Dennis (realtor) and Rhonda (therapist) Beckwith, both of whom are Azusa Pacific graduates ... Has an older sister (Brooke) and a younger brother (Bradley) ... His dad briefly played basketball and baseball at Azusa Pacific ... His uncle (Ryan Rienstra) and aunt (Rolynn Rienstra) were both 4-year letterwinners respectively for Azusa Pacific men's and women's basketball teams ... Has 2 other aunts and another uncle who also attended Azusa Pacific ... Has another uncle (Don Beckwith) who played baseball at Seattle Pacific ... Majoring in finance.