Despite 2016 statistical woes, CJ Beathard likes his NFL chances
By Pat Harty
IOWA CITY, Iowa – Soon to be a former Iowa quarterback, C.J. Beathard hopes to go where few of his predecessors have gone before him.
Beathard has graduated from the University of Iowa, fathered a child and started 27 games, so he is eager to face the next challenge.
All that remains for Iowa’s senior quarterback is playing in Monday’s Outback Bowl against Florida in Tampa.
Beathard will return to his home near Nashville, Tenn., after the game and then start preparing for his life-long dream of playing in the NFL.
"I have confidence in my ability and that's really what it comes down to is confidence," Beathard said. "I feel like I have what it takes to play at the next level and I'm excited for the opportunity to show people that I can do it and make a team."
History would suggest that the odds are against Beathard, considering 53-year old Mark Vlasic is the last Iowa quarterback to complete a pass in an NFL game, and that occurred over 20 years ago.
Dan McGwire completed his last NFL pass in 1994, but the younger brother of former Major League slugger Mark McGwire only played for two seasons at Iowa in 1986 and 1987 before transferring to San Diego State.
So does Dan McGwire even count as a former Iowa quarterback?
Either way, the number of Iowa quarterbacks to play in the NFL is alarmingly low.
Ricky Stanzi has stuck around since 2011, mostly as a practice-squad member for multiple teams. Stanzi is currently an unsigned free agent and has yet to complete a pass in an NFL game.
Beathard is also considered short for a quarterback by NFL standards, listed at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds.
But he has a strong arm, a knack for winning games – his record is 21-6 as Iowa’s starting quarterback – and the respect and admiration of his coaches and teammates.
Beathard also comes from a family with NFL connections, his grandfather, Bobby Beathard, a retired NFL general manager who spent nearly four decades in the league.
“I don’t know if my dad would just come out and say, `yeah, you suck, you should not do that,’” Beathard said. “Obviously, he’s going to support whatever my dreams are.
“But my grandpa, my dad and my family, they definitely say a lot of positive things, which is cool to hear and nice. So I’m excited for that part.”
Beathard’s much-anticipated senior season has been anti-climatic, a disappointment compared to last season when he passed for 2,809 yards.
His statistics, which include 1,874 passing yards, are average at best. The Iowa passing attack has sputtered throughout the season with injuries and a lack of quality depth at receiver contributing to the problems.
The Iowa offensive line also struggled with protection early in the season, although, some of the blame was placed on Beathard for not having enough awareness in the pocket.
Iowa relied mostly on its rushing attack and stingy defense to turn the season around by winning the last three regular-season games against Michigan, Illinois and Nebraska.
Beathard was a legend at this time last season, but not as much anymore, not after passing for fewer than 200 yards in all but three games this season. He still is respected and well-liked by his teammates and coaches, but his reputation as a quarterback, fair or not, has taken a hit.
“There were things that were very frustrating that we haven’t been able to do this year offensively,” Beathard said. “It was frustrating, but I have enough confidence in myself that I’m going to get an opportunity at the next level at some point. And I’m confident in my ability
“It doesn’t make my self-confidence go down when I see (people say) his passing yards are this or that. Yeah, they are. But I have enough confidence in my ability and I’m excited and can’t wait for the opportunity.”
There is more to playing quarterback than just statistics. Beathard excels at many of the little things that fans don't always notice, like putting the offense in the best position to succeed on each play.
"I would emphasize the role C.J. has, getting us in the right plays, getting us out of bad plays," said Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz. "He's done a great job in his career doing that, and that's a big part of having success as well."
Beathard recently became a father, his girlfriend giving birth to a daughter earlier this month. There now is even more incentive for Beathard to make an NFL roster.
“Obviously, you’ve got a daughter to support now so you’ve got to do everything you can to support her,” Beathard said. “There definitely is a little extra motivation there.”
CBSSports.com ranks Beathard the eighth best quarterback prospect heading into the 2017 NFL Draft and the 187th prospect overall. It also projects him to be selected in the fifth or sixth round.
Beathard showed his toughness by playing through multiple injuries in 2015 while leading Iowa to an undefeated regular season at 12-0.
That same toughness will be needed in the NFL where steps have been taken to protect quarterbacks due to the violent nature of the game.
Beathard as of late last week hadn't decided where he would train and prepare for the draft. He mostly was focused on trying to win his first bowl game as a Hawkeye.
"The season flies by," Beathard said. "You work all offseason long waiting for the football season and it goes by so fast."