LB Beecher will walk on at Stanford

2015 San Joaquin Memorial High School linebacker Ryan Beecher's mother attended Stanford, and his sister is currently a student on The Farm.

He grew up rooting for the Cardinal, and has watched Stanford play since he was a kid.

Next year, he'll suit up for his childhood favorite program.

Beecher was admitted to Stanford last month and has decided to accept an offer to walk-on to the Cardinal football team.

"As soon as I got accepted to Stanford, it is where I was going," Beecher said. "The walk-on spot at Stanford is something I have wanted ever since the idea of a walk-on was introduced to me."

Beecher has been in touch with Stanford defensive coordinator Lance Anderson over the course of his recruitment. The Central California native said that he had his first contact with Stanford in November, and has been in touch with Anderson over the past month prior to and following his acceptance into the school.

As one might expect given his family connections to the school, Beecher is plenty familiar with Stanford and its football program.

"I have been to the campus many times, whether for a sporting event, football camp, or just to visit," Beecher said.

"Since I was a little kid I have watched Stanford football. My mom and sister attended/attend Stanford and their love for the school has grown onto myself. Besides being a fan, Stanford football has a reputation of class and respect around the country that I admire and want to be a part of. 'Intellectual Brutality,' that motto alone made me want to go Cardinal. "

If Stanford didn't present itself as an option, Beecher would have pursued programs in the Ivy League.

"I was looking toward the Ivy league prior to my communication with Stanford, as I wanted the academic challenge of a top school along (with) football," Beecher said.

Beecher expects to play inside linebacker in Stanford's 3-4 defense.

"I have been a physical player for my three years on varsity in high school," he said. "I played inside in high school and fit into the inside linebacker position at Stanford as well. I have never shied (away) from contact, and although that may seem obvious for an inside backer, you'd be surprised."