Originally published November 12, 2009 at 11:00 PM | Page modified November 13, 2009 at 1:16 AM

Myron Beck's versatility paying off for Washington State

Myron Beck is not the Cougars' biggest linebacker or their fastest safety, but he does play both positions, each week answering the call to fill whichever breach appears in WSU's injury-riddled defense.

By Vince Grippi

The Spokesman-Review

Saturday

UCLA @ Washington State, 2 p.m., FSC

PULLMAN — Myron Beck may never be Washington State's fastest or biggest player.

He may never be a guy who other teams game-plan around.

He may never be WSU's most valuable player ... wait, that's wrong. He already has been.

Beck, a 6-foot, 209-pound junior, earned the Cougars' defensive MVP award last week against Arizona for excelling not at one position, but two.

Beck is not the Cougars' biggest linebacker or their fastest safety, but he does play both positions, each week answering the call to fill whichever breach appears in WSU's injury-riddled defense.

This week, Beck will play some weakside linebacker and some strong safety, teaming with freshman Jay Matthews to fill the gap left by usual starter Chima Nwachukwu (sprained ankle).

"It's a lot harder to do than people think," said co-defensive coordinator Chris Ball, who also coaches the safeties. "When you are playing 'will' and safety, they are sort of interchangeable. But as far as reads and keys, they are quite a bit different."

Beck — who attended Seattle's Ingraham High, then spent two years at Glendale College in California — actually finds that aspect of the challenge easy.

"In our defense, you've got to know everything, because you don't know what's going to happen on any given day," he said. "If you know the defense inside out, you can play any position on the field."

Beck, playing mostly at linebacker this season, has 25 tackles and two interceptions — one of which he returned 67 yards for a late score in the win over Southern Methodist.

He had 24 tackles last season, playing safety early in the season and linebacker late. But he also missed the final four games with a back injury that required offseason surgery.

Ticketed to play linebacker this year, Beck tried to put on weight during his rehabilitation.

"I tried to get as big as I could," he said. "I gained 10 extra pounds."

Beck also has mental strength, according to coach Paul Wulff.

"He's a very mature guy," Wulff said. "He's battled the whole back issue, having back surgery. To do what he can do, and he's still not 100 percent, he's very, very valuable for us."

E-mail article Print Share

More Cougars

UPDATE - 8:27 PM
UCLA extends win streak in Pullman to 18

UPDATE - 8:00 PM
Florida football recruits couldn't wait to get started at Washington State

Washington State women lose to No. 9 UCLA

Bud Withers: WSU star Klay Thompson shows serious lack of judgment, leadership

Cougars' star Klay Thompson arrested, charged with marijuana possession

More Cougars headlines...

Comments

No comments have been posted to this article.

Read all comments / Share your thoughts

Get home delivery today!