Drew Beam, Tennessee’s starting quarterback, is prepared to take on the role as the key player for the Vols.
It is uncertain whether Drew Beam, the junior right-handed starter for Tennessee, will take the mound for the Vols on Friday nights this season. Nevertheless, the former quarterback, nicknamed ‘QB1,’ is currently leading the team this spring, drawing on his extensive experience.
Reflecting on his role, Beam expressed, “I’m one of the older and more experienced guys on our staff this year.” He acknowledged the shift from learning from more experienced players in previous years to now taking on a mentoring role for younger teammates.
In his sophomore year, Beam demonstrated his prowess by making all 17 weekly starts, achieving a 9-4 record over 84.1 innings with an impressive ERA of 3.63. He excelled in postseason starts and earned recognition as the SEC Co-Pitcher of the Week.
This season, AJ Russell, a Freshman All-American honoree, is expected to join the rotation alongside Beam. While there is uncertainty about the final weekend slot, Tennessee has various options to consider.
The question remains: will Tennessee move Beam from his usual Sunday slot, where he has the majority of his 32 career starts, to Friday nights or even game two on Saturdays? Regardless of the decision, Beam is prepared to adapt.
Beam highlighted potential changes in routine due to different game times, emphasizing the nuances between day and night games. Despite these adjustments, he assured that his game plan and approach to pitching would remain consistent.
During the summer, Beam’s achievements extended to being named to the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team, emphasizing his impact beyond college play. He dedicated the offseason to refining his skills, focusing on strength training and perfecting his pitching repertoire.
As a key leader in the clubhouse, Beam played a crucial role in fostering team unity over the fall and winter. Although the team is currently engaged in internal competition, Beam anticipates a shift towards a collective goal as Opening Day approaches.
With Tennessee being a preseason Top-10 team, there are high expectations for the upcoming season. Beam’s leadership and the team’s collective efforts suggest that Tennessee is poised to maintain its standing as one of the nation’s premier baseball programs in 2024.
