FanPost

Greatest Wildcats Jersey Countdown: #18

#18 Jonathan Beasley (QB) 1996-2000 (Others considered: Tate Wright)

Why?: Following in the footsteps of Michael Bishop is no easy task. Just ask Jonathan Beasley. Unheralded after Bishop’s record-setting 1998 season, Beasley took over the reins in a pressure-packed situation. Throughout the 1999 season, Beasley seemed to struggle, being replaced multiple times by Adam Helm. By the end of his junior season, Beasley had finally taken over as the starter, leading the team to victory in the Holiday Bowl with a three rushing touchdown performance. A powerful, albeit slower runner than Bishop, Beasley was a true leader. Despite fans demanding Ell Roberson take over, Beasley held off the talented freshman and etched his name into the KSU record book. Beasley’s junior campaign was third best by a junior behind Chad May and Lynn Dickey. During his senior season, Beasley set new records for rushing touchdowns in a single game with 5, and in a single season by a quarterback with 17. His passing also improved that year, throwing for more than 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns. Despite all his accomplishments, including finishing third all-time in total offense, Beasley only received third team All-Conference honors in 2000. However, Beasley still holds another record. He is the only quarterback to win more than one bowl game in school history.

Career Numbers:

Attempts: 544

Completions: 259

Percentage: 47.6%

Yards: 4,642

TDs: 33

Rushing Yards: 965

TDs: 26

Most Memorable Play: Despite throwing the game-winning pass against Nebraska in 2000, I’ll always remember Beasley for his diving one yard run to score the game winning touchdown against Washington in 1999. After Chapman’s interception, Beasley led the Wildcats on one of the greatest drives in school history. 20 plays and ten minutes later, Beasley went in from one yard out to give the Wildcats the lead for good and their second Holiday Bowl victory.

Current Players on the Roster Wearing #18: Eric Hommel – Junior WR, Malachi Mitchell– True Freshman DB

Odds to Tie Beasley on This List: Less than 1%. I won’t even entertain the ability of anyone to completely remove Beasley from the list, but tying him is remotely possible. Hommel is unlikely to end up here, given the logjam at receiver, but Mitchell could end up tying Beasley if he is able to win a starting job as a safety next season. I don’t like his odds, but am willing to be proven wrong here.



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