For many, the pressure of competition and the bright lights that come with it can be overwhelming. For Junipero Serra freshman linebacker Joseph Bey, it is that very pressure that fuels his competitive spirit.
When asked what he wanted to prove at the National Preps Collegiate Showcase at Vacaville Christian, Bey’s answer shines light upon one of the reasons he won the 2024 Defensive MVP award.
“I’m a competitive person so I just wanted to go there and compete against some of the best athletes in the area,” said Bey. He says that winning the Defensive MVP award is a testament to “the work that I am putting in” and is “proud that it is paying off.”
As a freshman who has yet to play a snap of high school football, Bey is already fielding offers, including one one Arizona State, and would not be maligned for taking his foot off the gas pedal a bit. However, it is apparent that no such thought has crossed his mind, and Bey exudes a love for the game that will surely lend to continued improvement.
“My main focus is getting better on and off the field,” Bey said. “As far as offers, if I continue doing what I’m doing, and controlling what I can control, offers will take care of themselves.”
National Preps Western Region Scout Paul Gregorian attributes some of Bey’s early exposure to “playing for one of the most respected high schools in the state” and a school that “continually puts out multiple FBS prospects year in and year out.”
Some athletes are motivated by the prospect of money and fame, as far as Joseph Bey sees it, his early success is a function of an unwavering desire to be the best and the rare trait of intrinsic motivation.
“I’m a very self-motivated guy, I want to be great at everything I do,” Bey proclaimed. “My parents sacrificed everything for me and my brothers and one day I hope to return the favor.”
More impressive than any of his abilities on the field, the 5-11 180-pound freshman displays stellar academic acumen, posting an impressive 3.7 GPA.
“School is very important to me,” says Bey. “My parents instilled in me at a young age that I am a student, then an athlete. It’s not hard to balance because I understand what all the hard work and sacrifice is going to lead to.”
Bey had one final message, and it’s one that could be said on behalf of all high school athletes in California.
“I really hope they let us play this year,” he said. “I’ve been playing football since I was five years old and it would be devastating if I am unable to take the field with my (Serra) Padre brothers.”
