BEMIDJI — The Bemidji State football team is in the midst of a historic season. The Beavers have advanced to the NCAA DII Tournament quarterfinals for the first time ever after a Gabe Ward 75-yard fumble return for a touchdown, which gave them a 20-19 win over Western Colorado in the second round of the
NCAA DII Tournament on Nov. 30.
One player who is a part of this historic run is Alexandria graduate Clayton Birdsall. Birdsall, a 6-foot 290-pound redshirt sophomore offensive lineman, has worked himself into a unique spot in Bemidji’s offensive lineup.
Birdsall is a backup offensive line but also gets playing time as a tight end/fullback for the Beavers (10-3).
“It’s different, but it’s super fun,” Birdsall said about the role he plays on the team. “I’m a center but also have stepped into a role as a tight end and fullback. It’s been a good change that I’ve enjoyed.”
Growing up, Birsdall mostly played on the offensive and defensive line. Birdsall and his family moved from Big Lake to Alexandria ahead of the 2020-21 school year.
Being a standout at Alexandria led him to get a spot on Bemidji State’s roster
. Now, he is maintaining a role as a reserve offensive lineman and becoming a fullback and tight end.
Birdsall has played in all 13 games for the Beavers this season.
Birdsall is officially listed as No. 64 on Bemidji State’s roster but wears No. 88 to be eligible in the offense.
He’s helped pave the way for a Bemidji State rushing attack that is 27th in the country in rushing yards per game (180.8).
Bemidji State is averaging 25.77 points per game this season and is holding opponents to 15.85 points per game.
Offensively, Bemidji State is averaging 359.5 yards per game.
The Beavers offensive line has done a good job of protecting the quarterback, as they’ve only allowed 15 sacks in 13 games.
Birdsall spent his first two seasons playing strictly offensive line but began playing in his new roles for the Beavers during fall camp this season.
“During fall camp, they talked about putting me in as tight end or full back in short yardage or goalline situations,” Birdsall said. “On the third play of the
, our starting fullback went down with an injury. It became my time to roll. On the sidelines, they’ve been teaching me things and telling me what to do.”
“There wasn’t too much of a transition. I’m kind of a glorified offensive lineman with how they play me. I’m in the backfield moving around and blocking linebackers.”
Birsdall is also on the Beavers’ kick return team. In a game against Wayne State on Nov. 2, 2024, he had one kick return for 10 yards.
“That’s a different role for me because I’m playing with a lot of skill guys,” Birdsall said. “It’s different but fun.”
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Birdsall was recently one of 53 Bemidji State student-athletes to earn NSCI Fall Academic Team recognition for maintaining a GPA of 3.6 or higher.
Birdsall and the Beavers started their postseason with a 24-14 on the road over Angelo State on Nov. 23 in San Angelo, Texas.
The Beavers kept their positive momentum going with their 20-19 win over Western Colorado in Gunnison, Colorado.
“That was a huge accomplishment,” Birdsall said. “I’ve been with a lot of these guys for a while now, and it’s fun to have this experience with them. This is what we’ve worked for.”
In the NCAA DII Tournament quarterfinals, Bemidji State takes on Minnesota State Mankato in Mankato at 2 p.m. on Saturday. This game is being live-streamed on ESPN+ and will be broadcast on 92.1 FM.
Minnesota State Mankato defeated Bemidji State with a last-second field goal, 31-29, on Sept. 7, 2024, in Mankato.
“We’re excited for the opportunity to potentially make some more history,” Birdsall said.
The winner of the Bemidji State versus Minnesota State Mankato plays either Ferris State or Harding in the semifinals on Dec. 14, 2024.
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Sam Stuve covers a variety of sports in the Douglas County area. He also is assigned to do some news stories as well.
