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RICHMOND, Ky. – Just one week ago, Josh Beekman was a member of the Eastern Kentucky University football staff as a graduate assistant coach. Today, he is in a National Football League training camp taking another shot at a playing career with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Beekman joined the EKU staff this past spring after previously playing in the NFL and United Football League. He was selected by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft and went on to play three years for the Bears where he started 20 games, including the entire 2008 season. Following his time at Chicago, Beekman played for the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League

A native of Amsterdam, N.Y., Beekman a three year starter at right guard for Boston College (2004-06) and went on to earn first team AP All-America honors in 2006. He also earned the 2006 Scanlan Award as a senior, which is given to the most outstanding senior football player in scholarship, leadership and athletic ability. Beekman graduated from Boston College in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in history.

The Colonels wind down the preseason this weekend with their final scrimmage on Saturday beginning at 2 p.m. Later on Saturday, the football team will host Fan Day at Roy Kidd Stadium beginning with a free kids’ clinic at 5:30 p.m., followed by ‘Meet the Colonels’ at 6:30 p.m.

EKU kicks off the 2012 schedule on Sept. 1 at Purdue. The season opener will be televised by the Big Ten Network beginning at 3:30 p.m. The Colonels’ home opener is scheduled for Sept. 8 against Morehead State at 6 p.m. Fans can reserve 2012 season tickets by contacting the EKU athletics ticket office at 859-622-2122.