"I knew that ever since I was out of high school that I could play D-1 football. I just never had any looks, I was under recruited, nothing from D-2 or D-3," Hassan Beydoun said. "I did have a moment where I just gave up, like I was just coming to Eastern academically. Then I saw a tweet about trying out and I was like 'why not? I know I'm capable of doing it.’"
Beydoun is a sophomore wide receiver from Dearborn. His journey to playing for EMU is not like most players, as he walked on to the team before the 2018 season. Since making it on the roster, he has increased his role for the Eagles. Beydoun played five games on special teams in 2018. He has played all five games this year, making seven catches for 84 yards and one touchdown. Scoring a touchdown at The Factory for EMU is a change from just coming to campus for classes.
"I didn't play my first year in college. I was just a regular student, commuting back and forth. I tried out, coach Creighton gave me the opportunity which I am forever grateful for," Beydoun said. "Everyone wants to come here and play and contribute to the team. I have to thank my coaching staff for believing in me. Coming here as a walk-on was hard, to scratch your way to the top. But over here at this program, what they preach is that it doesn't matter if you're on scholarship or if you're a walk-on. Everyone has an equal opportunity."
Beydoun is getting accumulated to his playing time, catching passes from quarterback Mike Glass III and having senior receivers Mathew Sexton and Arthur Jackson III helping him. Beydoun had two catches for 24 yards in the 38-17 loss versus Kentucky on Sept. 7. Two weeks later against Central Connecticut State, he had three catches for 45 yards and one touchdown. Beydoun still remembers his path to getting to where he is now.
"You realize how much you miss the game when you don't play your first year. Playing football, I'll never take it for granted," Beydoun said. "I love being here, I've made a bunch of relationships with my brothers and coaching staff. It's incredible, it's really a blessing."
