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Monday, December 10, 2012
 Bama impresses Beckwith on official visit
By Greg Ostendorf

 TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- This weekend, the University of Alabama had its last chance to impress ESPN 150 athlete Kendell Beckwith (Jackson, La./East Feliciana) before he makes his decision between the Crimson Tide and the LSU Tigers at the Under Armour All-America Game next month as Beckwith took his official visit to Tuscaloosa.

“The visit went real well,” he said. “It was great. I always enjoy it when I’m down there. There’s always something that stands out. The highlight this time was just hanging out with those players, hanging out with O.J. [Howard] and them, and just seeing how cool those guys are. I could really see myself being around them for the next four years.”

It was the first time Beckwith had met Howard, but the two clicked right away and ended up spending the whole weekend together.

“It was like we already knew each other the way we got along,” Beckwith said. “It was just that good.”

Although he spent the majority of his time with his main recruiter Burton Burns, Beckwith got a chance to speak to every one of Alabama’s coaches, including head coach Nick Saban. The staff plans to use the 6-foot-3, 225-pound prospect on the defensive side of the ball.

“Coach Saban, he wants to try me at all of the linebacker spots,” Beckwith said. “He said the good players are able to play all of the linebacker positions, so that makes me feel real good.”

After spending time with the coaches, the players and the other recruits in town, Beckwith said he felt at home on his visit to Alabama.

“That’s real important,” he said. “What’s going to play a big role in my decision-making is where I feel the most comfortable at, more than anything.”

Beckwith plans to announce his decision at the Under-Armour All-America Game on Jan. 4. At this point, he’s still undecided between the Tide and the Tigers, but by the game, he’ll know and he’ll be ready to get it behind him.

“It’s a long process,” Beckwith said. “I think by then, it’s going to be the perfect time to go ahead and end it and get it over with. I pretty much know all I can know about each school.”

As for the decision, it’s "tougher than ever’" now, Beckwith said.