Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks Christian 2014 offensive lineman Bryce Beaton has the versatility that college coaches want in a lineman.
“Bryce reminds me a lot of Erik Kohler (who’s now at Washington),” said longtime Oaks Christian coach Bill Redell. “He can play guard or tackle, but is probably best suited to play inside at guard in college.”
Beaton is fine with either spot.
“I was playing guard then they switched me to tackle and it was a good thing, because our tackle got hurt and I was able to step in,” said Beaton. “You have to be on your feet with the big guys that are quick off the edge, but then also the bigger guys inside. I can play either spot, and last year I got a lot of experience at both positions, so I’m fine playing either one.”
Beaton is starting to hear from some schools, primarily in the Pac-12, which is where he aspires to play.
“I’m interested in Cal, UCLA, USC, Washington,” said Beaton. “I like the West Coast but I’m open to anything.”
With a number of talented upperclassmen, and prospects in his 2014 class, at Oaks, Beaton said a host of schools have made plans to come by Oaks this spring.
“With Francis (Owusu) and Cameron (Judge), we’ve got a lot of coaches coming by so I’m just trying to get my name out there to them,” said Beaton.
Beaton stands 6-4, 260, and said he wants to get to 275 by the fall of his senior weight.
“I want to be able to control the weight too, and not get too big,” said Beaton.
Academically, he has a 3.0 and will start taking the SAT in the fall of his junior year.