Maryland safety Beau Brade is among the most versatile and instinctive defensive backs in the nation. Brade is currently thriving for a stingy Terrapins defense that's held five of their seven opponents to 20 points or less. Brade has been at the forefront of that defensive success.
The No. 61 overall player in our latest TDN100 update, Brade spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about Maryland's impressive 5-2 start while previewing upcoming matchups versus Penn State and Michigan. Brade also discussed what he learned from playing with Deonte Banks and Jakorian Bennett last season, positional flexibility, and more.
JM: That was a hard-fought loss to Illinois last weekend. What’s the atmosphere like around the program after a tough defeat?
Beau Brade: We have to play to our standard. That’s the biggest thing we have to fix now and in the future. We try to do that at every single practice. Playing to our standard is something we felt like we didn’t showcase against Illinois. We’re not taking this bye week lightly. It’s not a week off. It’s an extended opportunity to correct our mistakes. We’re practicing hard and going through the film.
JM: You're on the bye week. What are some things Maryland is looking to tighten up before resuming action?
Beau Brade: I can speak for our defense. We had a couple of penalties against Illinois. That’s not like us. We’ve typically been very disciplined this season. We have to fix that. We know we need to play with better intensity.
We feel like Illinois outplayed us. That’s never something you want to happen. That was the worst game we’ve played this season. They beat us on our worst day. We need to get back to our foundation. We have four key words in this program. Tough, effort, relentless, and pride. We need to get back to those fundamentals.
We’re still a 5-2 team at the end of the day. There’s a lot of football left to be played.
JM: Once you get back to it, Penn State and Michigan are on the immediate schedule. How are you getting ready for those resume games?
Beau Brade: Right now, we’re getting ready for Northwestern. That’s the next game on the schedule and we’re taking things one game at a time. We know those games [Michigan and Penn State] are coming up soon. We’re just focused on ourselves during this bye week. One game at a time. We shouldn’t play any differently against Northwestern than we do versus Michigan or Penn State. We should always play to our standard. That’s the pursuit of perfection.
JM: You're from Clarksville, Maryland and chose to play at the local program over offers from Michigan and North Carolina, to name a few. Talk to me about playing for the hometown team and what that's meant for you.
Beau Brade: I love it. I have an opportunity to represent my home state. This is where I’m from. I know a lot of people from my past, youth leagues, high school, things of that nature. They get to watch me in person.
I’m playing for more than the name on the back of my jersey. I’m playing for the name on the front of my jersey as well. This is home. It means a lot to me. I’m representing where I’m from. I remember that every single time I take the field to play a game.
I’m out here representing more than just myself. It’s about Maryland at the end of the day.
JM: You've recorded 39 tackles already this season and led the team in 2022 with 85 tackles. What is it about your game that allows you to always be around the football?
Beau Brade: I’m an aggressive player. I’m not scared to make tackles. One thing I’ve tried to focus on improving this season from last year was to miss fewer tackles. I made a lot of tackles last season, but I left some plays on the field, too.
I feel like that was a big problem for me last season. I’d make some tackles, but I missed too many in my opinion. I tried to hone in on that last year. I want to make every single tackle.
I also have to give that credit to our defensive line and linebackers. We don’t allow many blockers, whether that’s an offensive lineman or tight end, to climb to the second or third level. We’re working with clear paths to the ball carrier.
As much as I’d love to take credit for my tackle production, a lot of that success has to do with my teammates getting their job done.
JM: You played with Deonte Banks and Jakorian Bennett last season. Both of them were drafted very highly. It feels like there’s something in the water down there. What did you learn from those guys?
Beau Brade: I learned how to play the game at the highest level. They taught me even more respect for the game. I’ve always loved football since I was a little kid. Watching how Banks and JB [Bennett] watch film, they taught me how to love the game even more.
Banks and Bennett are so professional with their everyday movements. For example, some guys like to go home during their break in between class and stuff. Banks and Bennett were always in the facility watching film and putting extra work in. They were rehabbing and taking care of their body.
They were always working on their craft. It’s something I admired about them. I’ve learned how to carry myself in the same manner.
JM: You've recorded five pass breakups and one interception this season. Are you placing an emphasis on ball production down the stretch?
Beau Brade: Illinois didn’t give me many opportunities to get my hands on the ball. Of course, every week I want to get my hands on the ball and create takeaways. That’s a big thing that our safety room wants to do at a higher level. It’s something our [position] coach Zac Spavital is always preaching about. That’s how he wants us to make a name for ourselves.
I’d love to add to my totals. I’ve probably had three opportunities to record an interception this season. I came down with one of them and was out of bounds on the other two. I need to make the most of my opportunities.
JM: You have terrific size, listed at 6-foot-1, 210 pounds. How do you use your size to your advantage on a snap-by-snap basis?
Beau Brade: I’m 6-1, 210, as you said. I have some weight behind me. I don’t need to fly in and make a big hit. I can be a little bit more patient when it comes to running backs because I have the size advantage. It helps me against tight ends as well, and versus guards that are pulling in my direction.
I can use my weight better. I played around 202 last season. I was a little lighter in the pants. I have some oomph behind my hits now. I don’t have to jump off the diving board to make a tackle. I don’t feel like I’ve lost any of my speed, either. It’s been helpful.
JM: You have three down abilities. We've seen you command the slot in man coverage. We've seen you play center field as a single-high type. Which do you enjoy doing most?
Beau Brade: I love playing center field. It feels like one of those free plays in a video game (laughs). You’re back there by yourself. I’m cool, calm, and collected back there. You get to diagnose the action in front of you.
I started having love for playing center field toward the end of last season. I love that middle of the field. I feel like I can excel at every level of the field though, whether that’s middle field, half-field, or in zone. I can play down in the slot against a tight end as well. I feel like I’m versatile no matter where I line up. I can make plays anywhere.
JM: I'll put you in a scenario then. Say it's 3rd-and-long with the game on the line. Would you prefer to be manned up on the opponent's best pass catcher, or playing zone with a chance to make a play on something near the sticks?
Beau Brade: I think it depends on what team we’re playing against. I’ll go with zone. I like to have eyes on the quarterback. I love seeing what’s happening. Of course, I’d at least like to be on the same side as their No. 1 receiver (laughs). It depends on what team it is. If they have multiple weapons like Ohio State does with 18 [Marvin Harrison Jr.] and 2 [Emeka Egbuka], zone is probably the better call. If they have just one guy, you can go ahead and put me on him. If they have multiple weapons, I rather sit in that zone coverage shell and follow the quarterback’s eyes.
JM: That’s a terrific answer. We’re excited to continue monitoring your progress. I’ve appreciated your time. In closing, what are Beau Brade’s goals for the remainder of the 2023 campaign?
Beau Brade: The goal is to win out. We have to play to Maryland’s standard, to our defense’s standard. I’m going to continue balling out for my guys. I’ve put my best foot forward and will continue doing so as one of our leaders.
Here’s to the Terps having a great season.
