Seasoned senior Tate Beran brings back elite experience in secondary for Geneva

One thing about senior defensive back Tate Beran, he’s never going to be intimidated for Geneva.

As a sophomore, Beran faced Georgia receiver Talyn Taylor in practice. For the past three years, Beran has lined up against Illinois-bound Bennett Konkey, one of the state’s fastest receivers.

When he hits the field on Friday nights, Beran has already seen the best around.

“It for sure helps a lot, being able to see a lot of good talent through the years,” he said. “I’m able to go up against some of the best guys in the state. I’m able to work on my technique.

“Practice sets me up for the game. I’m not going to go up against much better people than here.”

That experience has pushed Beran to become one of the premier cornerbacks in the area for Geneva.

“Tate has gone up against the best of the best for three years,” Geneva coach Boone Thorgesen said. “Sophomore year, we threw him into the fire going against Talyn. He guarded him every day.

“In our conference, there are Division I receivers just about every game. He’s been around the block.”

After emerging in the second half of his sophomore year when the Vikings reached the Class 6A state championship game, Beran came into his own last season with two interceptions and by making 49 tackles, which was third on the team. He also returned a punt for a touchdown.

On top of that, Beran added a receiving TD when the offense was decimated by injuries.

Having Beran and Konkey as threats on special teams will only help Geneva’s high-powered offense, which is led by Eastern Michigan commit Ben Peterson, a 6-foot-4 senior quarterback.

“He’s very versatile,” Thorgesen said of Beran. “This year, with him and Bennett back there on special teams, that’s a pretty dangerous duo to kick to. I think they can put some fear into teams.

“We’re excited to see that.”

Along those lines, Beran has emerged as one of Thorgesen’s most trusted players.

“He’s a guy that we know we can count on,” Thorgesen said. “If we have to do something for a player they have, he takes that challenge on. He sees as good as what he sees here in practice.

“What a great kid. Works his butt off. Doesn’t say much but gets the job done.”

Konkey and Beran have been making each other better battling in practice for three years now.

“Tate is definitely a competitor,” Konkey said. “I try my best in practice to push him and make him the best DB he can be so he can play against any receiver in this conference.

“It’s my goal to get him ready.”

Konkey has always been impressed with how Beran handles himself, too.

“I think his footwork is really good,” Konkey said. “He plays through the whistle. His work ethic is really good. Just the way he plays the game — he wants to be out there. He’s always hustling.”

The 5-foot-9, 175-pound Beran has offers on the table from Butler, St. Thomas and Western Illinois. That’s something he doesn’t take for granted.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunities I have right now,” Beran said. “Last season, I had a good season and it’s really rewarding to see coaches paying attention to that. I’m blessed, honestly.”

The main goal, however, is returning to the postseason. After going 4-5 last fall, the Vikings are hungry.

“I know everyone is thinking the same thing, get the bad taste out of our mouths and have a really good season,” Beran said. “I feel like every practice we’re getting better.”

Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.