A big-time local priority target for Scott Satterfield and the Bearcats was on campus over the weekend as Lakota West linebacker Grant Beerman was one of many talented juniors in the class of 2025 that were in attendance for Cincinnati’s junior day.
The 6’4″ 215 linebacker attends Lakota West, which is just up the road about 35 minutes from the University of Cincinnati’s campus in West Chester. For those who have followed the Cincinnati program over the years, they know the importance about keeping the local talent right here in the state of Ohio.
The Cincinnati product has seen his recruitment skyrocket over the last few months where he has picked up over 20 offers, including the University of Cincinnati, who remain heavily involved for the talented linebacker. Some other schools that have been involved include Indiana, Kentucky, James Madison, Michigan State, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Purdue, West Virginia and more.
Beerman has been on campus quite a few times over the last few months, but Saturday was his latest visit to Cincinnati. “I really like the idea of being able to play right here in my hometown,” Beerman told TFON. It is a reminder when I run into friends or family at the games that they would be there cheering for me on Saturdays.
“The visit to Cincinnati was amazing,” Beerman said. “I also had a great chance to catch up with Co- Defensive Coordinator and outside linebackers coach Nate Fuqua and inside linebackers coach Cortney Braswell. I was also able to spend some really good time with Coach Satterfield.”
The Cincinnati staff has made the local three-star linebacker a huge priority since coming to Cincinnati just a little over a year ago, but for Beerman, his relationships with the Cincinnati staff is something that means a lot more to him, to potentially have the opportunity to play in his hometown at the next level. Beerman broke down what stands out the most about the potential idea of staying home and becoming the next hometown hero.
“What always stands out to me at Cincinnati is the staff, ” Beerman told TFON. “I have built up a very good relationship with Coach Satterfield and the other coaches. I have had great contact with all the coaches at Cincinnati. I talk with Coach Fuqua multiple times a week as well General Manager Zach Grant and Director of player personnel Jack Griffith. Beerman also told TFON, he hears from Cincinnati head coach Scott Satterfield very frequently.
Beerman touched on his relationship with General Manager Zach Grant and Director of Player Personnel Jack Griffith, saying “Those two have done a great job of giving me advice throughout this process.” They mainly tell me to enjoy the recruiting process but not fall in love with it, especially as it picks up in the few months after the season.”
Since being named Cincinnati defensive Coordinator last week, Tyson Veidt has made a strong impression early for the highly touted linebacker. “I was able to spend really good time with all of the coaches and had a chance to meet and really talk with new defensive coordinator Tyson Veidt. I was very impressed with him, and really enjoyed sitting down to talk football with him,” said Beerman.
Beerman, a 6’4″ Linebacker possess tremendous speed and athleticism for someone his size while having the ability to disrupt plays in many different ways. “My biggest factor with my game is my length and ability to bend, be athletic,” Beerman told TFON. “I am also a smart player and can adapt to different positions on the field to provide a versatile option for different defenses.”
The talented junior linebacker says he molded his game after former Lakota West standout Jackson Kuwatch, who started his career at Ohio State, before transferring to Miami of Ohio prior to the 2023 season. “Jackson was a senior at Lakota West high school when I was in the 8th grade when I started training with him. His father was actually able to coach and train me as well.” said Beerman.
Beerman discussed his biggest goals for the offseason ahead of a big senior season, where he looks to lead the Firebirds defense to another GMC Championship. “My biggest goal for the offseason is to gain weight while keeping my speed,” Beerman told TFON. “I finished my junior season at about 205 pounds and now currently sitting around 215 pounds since the season ended. I’d like to be sitting around that 220-225 range, depending on what weight fits the best. I will be back running with the track team again this spring as well to keep my conditioning in great shape.”
For a guy like Beerman, his mold fits a lot similar to a guy who had a breakout season for the Bearcats last season and that is Jack Dingle. Beerman told TFON that he has watched Dingle’s game from a far and has saw tremendous growth over the last season, and even got to spend some time with the junior linebacker after crossing paths on campus.
What is next for Beerman throughout his very hectic recruiting process, he told TFON that he will be wrapping up his junior day visits this weekend after visits to Michigan State and Purdue. However, Beerman continues to do his due diligence throughout this process as the dead period quickly approaches. “Taking notes has also been helpful, I’ve started ranking what’s important to me and what I prioritize most so I know what to value and look for in these programs.”
Beerman said once the dead period goes into action here in the next week, he will begin the conversations with his family about the next step of his recruiting process. “I plan on sitting down with my family once the dead period comes as I will look to cut down my list to 5-7 schools that I want to prioritize going forward,”