By Heath Bradley.

By Heath Bradley

CLEMSON, SC -David Beasley, a redshirt sophomore offensive guard appeared in 94 snaps including special teams Saturday night in the Georgia Dome. Beasley who recorded his first career start was on the field for every offensive play of the game for the Tigers. This is impressive for a player who had only recorded 30 snaps over five games in his career. Beasley a Columbus, Georgia native, was excited to have the opportunity to start his first collegiate game in his home state in front of many family and friends.

“I felt like I played pretty well. I was glad to be back in my home state. I didn’t want to go out there and disappoint anyone, so I played hard, to the best of my ability,” said Beasley.

For a player who had only played 30 snaps in his career, 94 snaps in one game seemed unbelievable. However, following the game Beasley felt like his condition had him prepared to play at a high level the entire game. “I felt like I prepared hard, I was surprised I played a lot of snaps. I felt great after the game, not tired after playing 90 snaps.” Beasley credits his conditioning to the hard work he put in over the summer with Clemson strength coach Joey Batson.

“Coach Batson trained us well this summer, harder than I had ever worked. Everything we did, we did 100%,” said Beasley.

Being from Columbus, Georgia David Beasley knows a lot about the Auburn Tigers. This made having the opportunity to start the opener in the Georgia Dome even more special for Beasley.

“It was fun to play Auburn, my family is only 30 minutes from Auburn. Everyone from my area is an Auburn fan; it is SEC country. It felt great to play against those guys,” said Beasley.

Entering fall camp in 2012, Beasley was listed at second-team on the depth chart at left guard. However, hard work and the opportunity to finally prove to the coaches and himself that he could contribute, pushed Beasley into the starting role entering the season.

“I didn’t want to look at myself and know I let my chance slip away. I worked hard and tried to do everything I can to try and create the opportunity to be a starter,” said Beasley.

Beasley is the first to admit that his maturity level over his past seasons at Clemson have kept him from reaching his full potential, until now.

“I did not have the maturity level to deal with this level of playing and the success that came with it. I do not think I was old enough to deal with it. Now I think I am old enough to handle it,” said Beasley.

After a strong performance in his first career start, Beasley knows that it was just the beginning. His ability to play at his highest level each week will be a key for the Clemson offensive line. No matter who the opponent, Beasley approaches the game the same.  “I do not play to my opponent, I do not underestimate any opponent. I feel I should play to my own standard.” Heading into week two, look for Beasley and the entire Clemson offensive line to only improve.