Freshman offensive tackle Lester Cotton of Alabama began his high school career in 2011 playing football and basketball at East St. Louis Senior High. As a high school freshman, Cotton played alongside another freshman by the name of Terry Beckner Jr.
At that time, it was a treat for then offensive line coach John Clay to coach two of the most athletic, yet academically sound, linemen ever to play for the Flyers. In addition, both Cotton and Beckner dressed on the varsity basketball team for then head basketball coach Ray Coleman.
“Both Terry Beckner Jr. and Lester Cotton were two of the most gifted kids I’ve ever had the honor to coach,” said Coleman. “Not only did they both give everything they had in practice every day, but you could tell that both were going to do well in the game of life. What I mean by that is getting their schoolwork, and being productive young men.”
So far, so good for both of them.
Beckner, who started for the University of Missouri this past season, was recently named a Freshman All-American.
As for Cotton, he will be playing for a national championship next Monday night when the Crimson Tide takes on Clemson. The 6’4” 315-pound true freshman left East St. Louis after his freshman year and moved to Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
He played three years for inner-city Central High. As a senior, he was featured on ESPN as a prep All-American. According to family members, it was a breath of fresh air for him to be treated like he was wanted on the football field while playing at Central.
“Nothing against East St. Louis, but it was a great move for Lester at the time,” said a family member. “I work in East St. Louis and also played there. I don’t want to give my name because of politics here. But the head coach at East Side just didn’t and still doesn’t seem to respect the tradition of past coaches, particularly Bob Shannon, who I played for back in the day. So, for Lester to get a fresh start somewhere else was great for him.”
Cotton is currently third on the depth chart at Alabama. He has played in four games for coach Nick Saban against Wisconsin, Middle Tennessee, Georgia, and Charleston Southern in 2015.
In a recent interview, the gentle, soft-spoken offensive tackle said he has really enjoyed playing for the Crimson Tide.
“I just have to continue to work hard. If I do that, I feel I will compete for a starting job next season,” Cotton said.
In addition, he enjoys going the short distance from campus back to his former high school to speak to students and to thank his former teachers and coaches for helping him along the way.
His former basketball coach at East St. Louis, Ray Coleman, is happy for Lester, even though he didn’t get an opportunity to finish his career as a Flyer.
“I’m proud of Lester Cotton and Terry Beckner Jr.,” said Coleman. “They are examples of young men who didn’t try to cut corners, they did the school work, and the sky is the limit for them both. When I coached them, I never had any doubts about the two of them academically, nor athletically. They both are off to great starts in their careers.”
I’m also very proud of them. But, not enough of our student-athletes in East St. Louis are going off to college like the past. Obviously, these two young men have great support systems. But, unfortunately, many aren’t as lucky.
So, until we hold each other accountable, those who teach and coach our youth who don’t have our students’ interests at heart, both educational and socially, we will continue to fail them.
Good luck, Terry and Lester.
