EKU assistant coach not giving up on NFL playing career

Eastern Kentucky University is watching one of its own try to make the cut as an NFL player.

The unusual thing about this Colonel is that he is one of the team's coaches.

Josh Beekman, a graduate assistant coach at EKU, was signed as a free agent by the Jacksonville Jaguars last week and is hoping to claim a spot on the team's offensive line.

Beekman, a fourth-round draft choice by the Chicago Bears in 2007, joined the EKU coaching staff last spring after his professional football career had seemingly run its course.

The 6-foot-2, 310-pound offensive guard from Amsterdam, N.Y., played three years for the Bears, starting 20 games, including every game of the 2008 season. He was released by Chicago during training camp in 2010 and later found work with the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League.

Beekman, 29, was a three-year starter at right guard for Boston College from 2004-06, earning first-team Associated Press All-America honors in 2006. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in history.

■ EKU holds its final pre-season scrimmage Saturday at 2 p.m. Later that afternoon, the Colonels host Fan Day at Roy Kidd Stadium beginning with a free kids' clinic at 5:30 p.m., followed by "Meet the Colonels" at 6:30 p.m.

■ Eastern Kentucky kicks off its 2012 season on Sept. 1 at Purdue. The Colonels' home opener is Sept. 8 against Morehead State.

This story was originally published August 23, 2012 at 10:38 AM with the headline "EKU assistant coach not giving up on NFL playing career."