East St. Louis Senior High star defensive tackle Terry Beckner Jr. leaves for the Under Armour All-American Game after Black Santa leaves town.
The First-Team Illinois All-State defensive tackle and All American will begin a journey that will garner the attention that he hasn’t seen here locally.
Sure, everyone in the Metro East media has written and talked about the athletic 6’5” 295-pound Beckner. But, the national attention he’s about to receive after being tabbed the No. 1 rated high school player could possibly be overwhelming, if not downright unfair.
The key for Beckner and his family is to have fun and be humble in the days leading up to signing day the first week in February. And knowing him and having coached him, the gentle giant won’t have any trouble at all dealing with all the attention and possible distractions coming his way.
Beckner made an official visit to Florida State a few weeks ago. He has upcoming visits to Auburn, Ohio State, Oregon and Missouri. There will be pressure from coaches, media and sponsors of the All American game to want Beckner to announce his intentions, or at least tip his hand or shed some light as to where he will continue his education. In recent years, many high school players make there announcement during the annual All American game.
Not Beckner. “I want to take my time and enjoy the recruiting process with my family,” he said. “No reason to rush and make a commitment now. I will decide when my family and I finish the process of my recruitment.”
Throughout his high school and middle school years, Beckner has been a very talented basketball player as well. He led Lincoln Middle School to a State Championship, a Southwestern Conference Freshman Championship and a Super Sectional appearance under former Flyers head coach Ray Coleman his freshman year.
Opting to focus on his school work and the recruiting process, Beckner decided not to play basketball this year under current Flyers head coach Tony Young.
Having the label of one of the top recruits in the country, many seem to understand the decision not to play basketball this year.
“I do miss not playing the sport I love also,” Beckner said. “I have played basketball all my life, but I had to be realistic about my recruiting process, and be fair to my former teammates on the basketball team as it relates to the time being away from them in preparation for the Under Armour game and my official visits. But I will be at every game cheering them on when I’m here during the season.”
Beckner been seen at every Flyers game when he’s in town. In addition, his sister is a Flyers’ cheerleader as well.
Many wonder where the talented defensive tackle will play during his collegiate career. All of his official visits are major college programs, with both Ohio State and Oregon in the National Championship hunt.
What about Mizzou? Earlier some felt that the Tigers might be the leading candidate for Beckner’s services. Many wonder if the loss of defensive coordinator Dave Steckel, a mainstay on Head Coach Gary Pinkel staff since 2001 will have an impact on Beckner’s decision.
Steckel is leaving Mizzou after the Citrus Bowl to become the new head coach for the Missouri State Bears.
Will former teammate and former Flyers’ Greg Taylor, a future Tiger, have an impact? Some say former Missouri Tigers Eric Wright (49ers) and Johnnie Poe (New Orleans Saints) sure would love to see the talented Beckner play for the Tigers.
More importantly, I hope Terry and his family enjoy the process.
And I will be rooting for him regardless of his choice.
Good luck, Terry!
Thanks, JackieÂ
Longtime Flyer cheerleading coordinator and athletic administrator Jackie Howard-Wright retired last week after 40 years at the high school. Thanks for your service to our youth, and our community!
