Bear Down Wildcats

de Beer is a 6'7", 311, redshirt Junior offensive lineman from Pretoria, South Africa. Last year was his first time on the field for the Wildcats. He may not have played during his redshirt Freshman year because coaches wanted him to remain on his track and field scholarship and preserve a football scholarship. He had 3 starts last year and I believe he played in every game, but until the roster is updated or the media guide is out that is way unofficial. He was the primary backup at both right guard and right tackle.

He is a true two-sport athlete which is pretty rare today. He came to Arizona on a track and field scholarship as a discus thrower and with his size and background in rugby, he wanted to give football a try. His entire football experience is here at Arizona and he was tried as a defensive lineman, tight end, and even punter before he finally found a home on the offensive line. At the same time he has been a star on the track field finishing 4th this year in the NCAA in the discus and was 2nd in the conference after finishing 1st last year. His best throw so far this year is short of Olympic qualification, but de Beer has already said that even if he qualifies he is staying in Tucson to play football and won't go to the Olympics.

de Beer started at right tackle this spring and will be one of the guys competing to start on the offensive line this year. Not bad for a guy who is starting his 4th year of football.

67 is the Arizona record for the most TD passes in a career shared by Willie Tuitama (2005-8) and Nick Foles (2009-11). Anu Solomon currently has 48 for his career and could easily break the record this year.


No. 67 Kickoff Return Average, Season: 37.8 yards, Ricky Stevenson, 1968 (9 returns for 340 yards)

Although he said the Olympics are out of the question, would he compete for South Africa?

ANGCatFan wrote: Anu Solomon currently has 48 for his career and could easily break the record this year.

Assuming of course he is the starting QB and remains injury free. I am expecting a lot from Dawkins.

Yes, he would compete for South Africa.

I've heard to expect de Beer to be a starting tackle this season. He grinds and is extremely coachable. He calls in an ex Cat lineman to give him private coaching and he, as a elite track athlete, understands how the little details can add up to better performance.