Monroe Beard III

Clark Atlanta University Athletics

Title

Linebackers
Email

mbeard@cau.edu

Monroe Beard III enters his first season as Linebackers Coach at Clark Atlanta University and is one of the youngest position coaches in NCAA football. He joins the Panthers after serving as Assistant Linebackers Coach at East Tennessee State University, where he helped develop First Team All-Conference linebacker Ty Anderson, who finished the season with 87 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and 6 pass breakups. Beard also helped guide a linebacker unit that combined for 17 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, and featured four players with 30 or more tackles.

Before beginning his coaching career, Beard established himself as one of the top linebackers in the FCS. A two-time team captain, he played at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Tennessee State University, and Marshall University. At Tennessee State, he led the Big South-OVC Conference with 95 tackles in just nine games, averaging 10.6 tackles per game, earned First Team All-Big South/OVC honors, and set both the Tennessee State and Big South-OVC single-game record with 19 tackles. He concluded his playing career at Marshall University, helping lead the Thundering Herd to the 2024 Sun Belt Conference Championship while being the defensive standout in the title game.

Over his collegiate career, Beard totaled 253 tackles, 27.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, two interceptions, seven pass breakups, three fumble recoveries, and one forced fumble. His honors include First Team All-Big South/OVC, Phil Steele First Team All-Conference, Bluebloods First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-SWAC, Third Team All-American (TCFNW), Big South-OVC Defensive Player of the Week, and multiple preseason All-SWAC selections. Known for his leadership, energy, and passion for player development, Beard brings championship experience and a proven football background to the Clark Atlanta University football program.