To call Ballinger senior Cooper Bean a student of the game of football is an understatement.

“I’m a coach’s kid so I’ve been around football all my life,” said Bean, a running back and all-state linebacker for the undefeated Ballinger Bearcats. “I love watching film and studying every opponent we play. I like to know what’s coming at me on Friday night.

“I get yelled at by my teachers sometimes for watching film on my phone during class.”

Bean, a starter since his sophomore season, made 296 tackles during the 2017 and 2018 seasons combined. His 165 stops in 11 games last year earned the 5-foot-11, 205-pound Bean all-state honors at linebacker. He’s off to another solid start this season for Ballinger, which is 3-0 entering District 4-3A Division II play Friday.