New Storm QB coming to a theater near you

New Storm practice squad quarterback Jon Beutjer, who attended his first team session Tuesday, will make his motion picture debut in October.

As a stunt double.

Beutjer, a former University of Illinois standout, will appear in the movie The Express, which stars Dennis Quaid and is based on the life of legendary Syracuse football player Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy.

Much of the movie was filmed in the greater-Chicago area. Needing people with football skills to work as doubles, Universal Studios contacted the University of Illinois to see who might be available. Before long, Beutjer was trying out for a spot in the flick. The film's executives liked his football ability, but when Beutjer attempted to land a minor speaking role, they suggested he "stick to football," he said, laughing.

Shooting lasted three months. Beutjer, who was paid $300 a day, had a blast. He ate great every day, and had a chance to rub elbows with all of the movie's stars, including Quaid.

Someday, he'd like to do it again.

"If another football movie came along," Beutjer said, "I would probably pursue it."

-- KEITH NIEBUHR