Heading into the 2013 MLS SuperDraft on Thursday, adding defensive depth was one of the main priorities on the Crew technical staff's agenda. Head Coach Robert Warzycha addressed the issue by selecting defender Drew Beckie from the University of Denver.
"He's going to give us some quality in the back," Warzycha said of the Canadian centerback. "He was a guy that was on our radar before the combine, but we didn't see him too many times in college. We heard a lot about him, but he had a very, very good combine. He was very good in all three games. He was one of the best at organizing the back four, he talks a lot and squeezes the field. That's something we were looking for."
Beckie is anxious to begin his professional career with the Black & Gold, bringing a tireless work ethic that made him a defensive force during his four years at Denver.
"Whatever the coaching staff needs me to do, I'm going to do," Beckie said. "I'll bring my physical ability and my organization skills to the team. I'll really try to fit in and learn from the older guys."
One of the veterans Beckie is looking forward to working with most is two-time MLS Defender of the Year and Crew Captain Chad Marshall.
"Chad Marshall is an MLS legend," Beckie said. "I just want to watch him play and learn that way. I just really want to fit in where ever I'm needed. I'm excited to start with him and the whole team. It's really nice to have a guy like that to look up to starting my career."
Like Ryan Finley before him, Beckie was greeted warmly by the 100+ Crew supporters who made the trip from Columbus to the SuperDraft in Indianapolis.
"It was awesome," Beckie said. "I can't think of a better way to start being a part of the Columbus Crew. It's amazing the way [the supporters] travel in numbers. It shows the great commitment they have to organization.
"I'm excited to be a part of that."
