A little bit of Texas can be found everywhere you go. Thursday Night Football is no exception to the rule. Taking the field as underdogs to the Tennessee Titans, the Jacksonville Jaguars are equipped with three former Texas high school football players.
Kelvin Beachum
Comes from the Mexia High School class of 2007 where he served as an offensive guard for the team. Today, he still returns to him hometown to lead community football camps and advocate for STEM education. Beachum committed to SMU shortly after his senior season ended. While with the Mustangs, he was named Conference USA All-Academic, Texas Football magazine best offensive lineman in Texas, and started 52 consecutive games. Beachum also returns to Dallas to give back, most recently visiting as a keynote speaker. After earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree, he was initially drafted by Pittsburgh in the seventh round of the 2012 draft. He signed with Jacksonville as unrestricted free agent in March of this year. Beachum continues to make an impact both on and off the field. He has been an integral part of efforts in Mexico and Central America to help fight hunger.
Tashaun Gipson
Attended Dallas Kimball High School where he was named MVP for District 14-4A and First Team All-District as cornerback and returner. Gipson played both sides of the ball for Kimball. On defense, he recorded 35 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and broke up nine passes. Offensively, he racked up over 1,400 yards playing interchangeably as the team’s quarterback, wide receiver, and safety. Upon graduation, Gipson followed his older brother to the University of Wyoming. He started every game for the Cowboys. Gipson was first signed by Cleveland in 2012 as an undrafted free agent. He was signed by Jacksonville as an unrestricted free agent in March. In 2014, he was selected for his first ever Pro Bowl after finishing the season with the second most interceptions (6) in the league. He has recorded 15 tackles this season.
Chris Ivory
Played for Longview High School where he was considered a two-star recruit. Following his high school career, he played for Washington State where after rushing for 534 yards and a coaching transition, he was released for violating team rules. Ivory then transferred to Tiffin University where he racked up 223 years prior to suffering a knee injury. Ivory’s professional career began in New Orleans where he was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2010. In 2013, he was traded to the Jets. He joined Jacksonville in 2015. This season, he has rushed 36 times for 123 yards and one touchdown and caught five passes for 15 yards.
Can this Texas trio help usher the Jags to their third victory of the regular season? Or will Jacksonville continue to tip their schedule heavily towards a losing season?
Brought To You By
