Monroe Beard III, hailed as one of the premier talents in HBCU football, has announced his commitment to Marshall University in the Sun Belt Conference. Beard leaves Tennessee State University (TSU) after a standout season, where he earned a spot on the 2023 All Big South-OVC First Team. His departure is a significant shift for Eddie George’s revitalized TSU Tigers.
During his sole season at TSU, Beard delivered an outstanding performance, accumulating 95 tackles (53 solo and 42 assisted) over nine games. This impressive tally placed him 11th in total tackles in the FCS for 2023. His defensive prowess extended beyond tackling; Beard also recorded five pass deflections and an interception, demonstrating his versatility in coverage.
Beard began his collegiate journey at the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff (UAPB), another HBCU, where he made a notable impact. As a redshirt freshman, he tallied 37 tackles, 2 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries, and two pass breakups. Over his career at UAPB, he amassed 138 total tackles, including a standout season in the fall of 2021 with 78 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, and five sacks.
After entering the transfer portal in April, Beard quickly became one of the nation's most sought-after transfer recruits at his position. At one point, he was the top-ranked linebacker in the NCAA transfer portal, attracting interest from several Power Five schools, including Georgia Tech, Kansas State, and SMU. However, Beard ultimately chose to join Marshall University in the Sun Belt Conference.
In a straightforward social media post, Beard expressed his excitement: “#GoHerd Blessed for the opportunity, Lets go to work!” along with a picture of himself in a Marshall University jersey.
Eddie George’s TSU Tigers face the challenge of replacing not only Beard but also Terrell Allen, the 2023 Buck Buchanan Award winner, who recently committed to Tulane University. These departures mark a significant transition for the Tigers' defense as they prepare for the upcoming season.
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