Joplin football player Jett Beal spoke with Prep Sports in a recent interview.

PREP SPORTS: What are your personal goals for the year?

My personal goals this year are to get a chance to play at the college level and be an A honor role student.

PREP SPORTS: What is your favorite athletic memory?

My favorite athletic memory is probably my first varsity touchdown my sophomore year against Neosho, we ran our curl concept and I had a POD route from the slot. There was 2 safeties so I ran the post and Hobbs Gooch gave me a great pass and I came down with it.

PREP SPORTS: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?

Dontrell Holt has left the biggest impression on me. He’s always been someone who’s gonna keep you in check but support you and help you. I’ve known him since we were kids and he’s always been there for me.

PREP SPORTS: What is your favorite part of being on this team?

My favorite part of being on the 2024’ Joplin Eagles Football team would be creating bonds with these guys and strengthening that bonds everyday.

PREP SPORTS: Do you participate in any community service projects?

I help out at Grace Baptist Church that’s the church I go to but I’m not sure if that counts.

PREP SPORTS: What Clubs or Campus groups are you involved with and why?

None I’ve been focused on my grades and getting better on the field.

PREP SPORTS: What has your sport taught you that you use in your daily life?

I was taught you have to be disciplined and focused but also patient and relaxed. There’s going to be times where you’re not gonna have motivation to do something but, if you’re disciplined you’re going to do it and do it as best as you can. There’s gonna be times where you’ll be overwhelmed so relax and know that there’s always gonna be a positive that comes out of it.

PREP SPORTS: What is the best advice that anyone has given you?

Probably my pops when he told me on the way to school “you can’t force anything but if you want it go get it.

PREP SPORTS: Who inspires you and why?

Tank Dell inspires me, as an undersized wide receiver roughly around the same size he battled through it all and made it to where he wanted to be. I plan to do the same thing. Make my path and travel the journey to make it where I want to.

PREP SPORTS: Here is your chance to give a shoutout or say thank you to anyone you wish.

I want to say thank you the lord. He allowed me to be able to play this game of football and fall in love with it. He’s allowed me to achieve anything and everything I’ve today. I want to thank my mom for always being there and loving me. For always supporting me and cheering me up. Keeping me together and focused. My coaches and for pushing me to strive for greatness and do everything the best that I can. Especially Coach Joseph Ballard for always believing in me, even when I had no faith in myself. He’s always done whatever he could to help me and I will forever be grateful for that.