Football Recruiting - Southeast Region: Kendell Beckwith
ESPN RecruitingNation has signing day covered. Follow ESPNU’s coverage, chat with analysts and get breaking news on our Signing Day Live page beginning at 7:30 a.m. ET through 7 p.m. ET. For more on what to expect on signing day, check out the SEC conference breakdown 
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Bold Prediction for the SEC:
Ole Miss' class will eventually be ranked in the top five nationally with the addition of No. 1 overall prospect Robert Nkemdiche from Loganville (Ga.) Grayson and possibly ESPN 150 prospects Chris Jones from Houston (Miss.) High and Antonio Conner from Batesville (Miss.) South Panola.
SEC East
Florida
Biggest need: Florida wants immediate help at defensive tackle. Jarran Reed from Scooba (Miss.) East should be able to provide that if he decides to sign with the Gators on national signing day.
Biggest recruit: The Gators have two five-star commitments: cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III from Tampa (Fla.) Wharton and running back Kelvin Taylor from Belle Glade (Fla.) Glades. No other school in the country can say that.
Georgia
Biggest need: The Bulldogs would like to pick up another top offensive lineman. They looked destined to land Laremy Tunsil from Lake City (Fla.), but the competition has heated up for him lately.
Biggest recruit: With 12 ESPN 300 commitments, Georgia has plenty of star power. However, it's impossible to overvalue the commitment of Brice Ramsey from Kingsland (Ga.) Camden, a quarterback the Bulldogs can build around.
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Bold Prediction for the SEC:
Ole Miss' class will eventually be ranked in the top five nationally with the addition of No. 1 overall prospect Robert Nkemdiche from Loganville (Ga.) Grayson and possibly ESPN 150 prospects Chris Jones from Houston (Miss.) High and Antonio Conner from Batesville (Miss.) South Panola.
SEC East
Florida
Biggest need: Florida wants immediate help at defensive tackle. Jarran Reed from Scooba (Miss.) East should be able to provide that if he decides to sign with the Gators on national signing day.
Biggest recruit: The Gators have two five-star commitments: cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III from Tampa (Fla.) Wharton and running back Kelvin Taylor from Belle Glade (Fla.) Glades. No other school in the country can say that.
Georgia
Biggest need: The Bulldogs would like to pick up another top offensive lineman. They looked destined to land Laremy Tunsil from Lake City (Fla.), but the competition has heated up for him lately.
Biggest recruit: With 12 ESPN 300 commitments, Georgia has plenty of star power. However, it's impossible to overvalue the commitment of Brice Ramsey from Kingsland (Ga.) Camden, a quarterback the Bulldogs can build around.
No matter position, Beckwith a huge 'get' 
January, 4, 2013
Jan 4
5:30
PM ET
By
Gary Laney | ESPN.com
Where Kendell Beckwith will make an impact on the football field for LSU is an interesting question to ponder.
An “athlete” in the scout lexicon, the ESPN 150 prospect who committed to the Tigers tonight might be a linebacker in the Tiger’s 4-3 scheme … or he might bulk up and come off the edge as a pass-rushing defensive end, in the Barkevious Mingo mold.
His impact on LSU’s recruiting class, however, is unquestionable. Simply put, getting Beckwith is huge for the Tigers for a number of reasons:
An “athlete” in the scout lexicon, the ESPN 150 prospect who committed to the Tigers tonight might be a linebacker in the Tiger’s 4-3 scheme … or he might bulk up and come off the edge as a pass-rushing defensive end, in the Barkevious Mingo mold.
His impact on LSU’s recruiting class, however, is unquestionable. Simply put, getting Beckwith is huge for the Tigers for a number of reasons:
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- ESPN 150 athlete Kendell Beckwith (Jackson, La./East Feliciana) promised there would be no drama with his announcement, and he stayed true to his word when he put on an LSU hat and committed to the Tigers during the first quarter of tonight's Under Armour All-America Game.
UNDER ARMOUR GAME 2013
Keep up with live blog posts, video, breaking news and more all week from the Under Armour All-America Game in Florida. Blog 
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• Spread offenses reduce RBs' spotlight
• Who has impressed the most?
The top-rated player in Louisiana, Beckwith said that the battle between SEC West powers LSU and Alabama was tough, but in the end the idea of playing for his home-state school was too much to go against.
While Beckwith’s commitment to the Tigers is solid, there is plenty of speculation about where he will play. Listed at 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, he was closer to 240 pounds this week and looks like he could have a future at linebacker or defensive end.
“I’m probably the most comfortable at linebacker in college, especially because they use big linebackers in the SEC,” Beckwith said earlier this week. “In some situations I might need to put my hand in the ground and that could work too.”
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The scenario seems strangely familiar. A top-ranked Louisiana prospect will make a decision between Alabama and LSU at the Under Armour All-America Game, which will be televised live at 5 p.m. ET Friday on ESPN from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.
Last year, Landon Collins' decision to go to Alabama made for compelling television as his mother, sitting with him during the live announcement, clearly did not approve of his choice.
ESPN 150 athlete Kendell Beckwith (Jackson, La./East Feliciana) says not to expect any drama this year, as his family will be happy with whichever school he chooses.
Last year, Landon Collins' decision to go to Alabama made for compelling television as his mother, sitting with him during the live announcement, clearly did not approve of his choice.
ESPN 150 athlete Kendell Beckwith (Jackson, La./East Feliciana) says not to expect any drama this year, as his family will be happy with whichever school he chooses.
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Although it’s doubtful LSU coach Les Miles and his staff wanted a list of players who were missing team workouts made public, it doesn’t appear it will have a negative effect with any of the Tigers’ targets.
Earlier in the week a picture of a sign placed in the window of LSU’s strength and conditioning coach Tommy Moffit’s office went viral and has been the topic plenty of discussion on the Internet and radio stations.
Several players participating this week in the Under Armour All-America Game here heard about the photo and were surprised when they saw it.
Earlier in the week a picture of a sign placed in the window of LSU’s strength and conditioning coach Tommy Moffit’s office went viral and has been the topic plenty of discussion on the Internet and radio stations.
Several players participating this week in the Under Armour All-America Game here heard about the photo and were surprised when they saw it.
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Bama impresses Beckwith on official visit
December, 10, 2012
12/10/12
8:19
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
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.
“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.
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O.J. Howard talks official visit to Bama
December, 9, 2012
12/09/12
9:35
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- ESPN 150 tight end O.J. Howard (Prattville, Ala./Autauga Academy) isn’t far from the University of Alabama. Since he committed more than a year ago, he has made plenty of trips to Tuscaloosa. On the weekend, he took his first and only official visit to UA.
“It went well,” Howard said. “You only take one official, and it went well. I really enjoyed it. Overall, it was a very productive weekend.
“We went to eat at Coach’s house a couple times. Then we got to go ride four-wheelers and stuff like that. We got to go out with some of the players. We did an academic tour, toured the campus, the facilities, the football facilities, the locker room, the stadium. It was just stuff that makes you feel like you’re at home. It was fun.”
“It went well,” Howard said. “You only take one official, and it went well. I really enjoyed it. Overall, it was a very productive weekend.
“We went to eat at Coach’s house a couple times. Then we got to go ride four-wheelers and stuff like that. We got to go out with some of the players. We did an academic tour, toured the campus, the facilities, the football facilities, the locker room, the stadium. It was just stuff that makes you feel like you’re at home. It was fun.”
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Tigers' consistency key to talent haul
November, 21, 2012
11/21/12
11:57
AM ET
By
David Helman | ESPN.com
Here's a telling statistic for anyone questioning LSU's recent recruiting success: in the past 11 seasons dating back to 2001, the Tigers have finished first or second in the SEC West nine times.
During that span, LSU has played for five conference championships, won four of them, traveled to five BCS bowl games, played for three national championships and won two.
Simply put, no other program in the SEC has sustained that level of success over such a long period -- not Alabama, which was up and down for years before the hiring of Nick Saban, and not Florida, which endured mediocrity at both ends of the past decade.
During that span, LSU has played for five conference championships, won four of them, traveled to five BCS bowl games, played for three national championships and won two.
Simply put, no other program in the SEC has sustained that level of success over such a long period -- not Alabama, which was up and down for years before the hiring of Nick Saban, and not Florida, which endured mediocrity at both ends of the past decade.
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#BlueChipBattles: Nov. 16
November, 16, 2012
11/16/12
12:13
PM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
ESPN.comUncommitted 2013 running backs Alvin Kamara and Derrick Green.ESPN 100 running backs Alvin Kamara and Derrick Green can score from anywhere on the field thanks to their breakaway speed, an attribute that makes them very attractive recruits to the Oregon Ducks. Oregon's pursuit of the duo headlines this week’s #BlueChipBattles.
Click through for our list to rank the top 10 recruiting battles
.Recruiting recap: Alabama at LSU 
November, 5, 2012
11/05/12
11:40
AM ET
By Recruiting Nation staff | ESPN.com
In Death Valley and beyond, ESPN Recruiting Nation reporters tracked down the prospects who witnessed Alabama's win Saturday night at LSU. Here's a recap of the players' reactions so far :
• Damon Sayles: CB Tony Brown applauds Bama, LSU
• Greg Ostendorf: RB Fournette surprised by Bama's play call
• Gary Laney: Desean Smith liked Nic Jacobs' wrinkle
• David Helman: Watch List WR Dupre excited by LSU
• Laney: QB commit Rettig: LSU is 'right place'
• Josh Moyer: DT Rod Crayton narrows list to four
• Helman: Kendell Beckwith likes 'crazy' Death Valley
• Dave Hooker: ESPN 300 prospects Neal, Herron love visits
• Helman: DL Tim Williams: 'It was Alabama loud'
• Ostendorf: Watch List's Tre Williams talks Bama-LSU
• Laney: DT LaCouture pledges to LSU during visit
Players who didn't make it to the game still had opinions to share as well:
• Sayles: Watch List CB Hardeman happy with LSU
• Sayles: Race of 3 for DL Justin Manning?
• Blair Angulo: Four-star S Tahaan Goodman stays patient
:
• Damon Sayles: CB Tony Brown applauds Bama, LSU
• Greg Ostendorf: RB Fournette surprised by Bama's play call
• Gary Laney: Desean Smith liked Nic Jacobs' wrinkle
• David Helman: Watch List WR Dupre excited by LSU
• Laney: QB commit Rettig: LSU is 'right place'
• Josh Moyer: DT Rod Crayton narrows list to four
• Helman: Kendell Beckwith likes 'crazy' Death Valley
• Dave Hooker: ESPN 300 prospects Neal, Herron love visits
• Helman: DL Tim Williams: 'It was Alabama loud'
• Ostendorf: Watch List's Tre Williams talks Bama-LSU
• Laney: DT LaCouture pledges to LSU during visit
Players who didn't make it to the game still had opinions to share as well:
• Sayles: Watch List CB Hardeman happy with LSU
• Sayles: Race of 3 for DL Justin Manning?
• Blair Angulo: Four-star S Tahaan Goodman stays patient
Recruiting recap: Alabama at LSU
November, 5, 2012
11/05/12
11:39
AM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
In Death Valley and beyond, ESPN RecruitingNation reporters tracked down the prospects who witnessed Alabama's win Saturday night at LSU. Here's a recap of the players' reactions so far :
• RB Scarborough solid to Bama after LSU hurdles: 2014's Bo Scarborough, a Crimson Tide commit, ran into logistical problems during his visit to Death Valley.
• WR Quinn: Mettenberger looked like NFL QB: Louisiana's leading prep receiver from Lake Charles, La./Barbe and a member of the ESPN Watch List for the 2014 signing class also enjoyed meeting a former Tigers standout.
• CB Tony Brown applauds Bama, LSU: The ESPN Watch List cornerback called Saturday’s clash of SEC powers "one of the best games I’ve ever been to."
• RB Fournette surprised by Bama's play call: Two of Leonard Fournette's top schools, Alabama and LSU, came down to the final minute -- and a a screen play executed to perfection by the Crimson Tide.
• Desean Smith liked Nic Jacobs' wrinkle: "I got to talk to [LSU tight ends coach Steve Ensminger] at the end and I told him I liked the way they used the tight ends," Smith said.
• Watch List WR Dupre excited by LSU: The 6-foot-3 target couldn't help noticing Zach Mettenberger's explosion for 298 yards and a touchdown with a 68 percent completion rate.
• QB commit Rettig: LSU is 'right place': While the Tigers took Saturday's setback hard, Rettig was feeling the emotions with them during his visit.
• DT Rod Crayton narrows list to four: The three-star prospect said his top schools currently include Arkansas, LSU, Penn State and Tennessee.
• Kendell Beckwith likes 'crazy' Death Valley: "I never thought it could get much crazier at night in Tiger Stadium than it was for South Carolina. ... I thought I had seen it as bad as it could get as far as the fans go, but this game, man. They were crazy as far as hollering. Just all night. I see why it's hard for teams to come in there and win."
• ESPN 300 prospects Neal, Herron love visits: Both are commits; Herron, a DL, emailed: "It was great. That was my first game and I feel that I can play right away."
• DL Tim Williams: 'It was Alabama loud': The target says Death Valley's game atmosphere is why people want to play for the Tigers.
• LB Tre Williams talks Bama-LSU: The 2014 target says he knew LSU had the ability to give Alabama a game if they proved mentally ready.
• DT LaCouture pledges to LSU during visit: Formerly committed to his hometown Nebraska Cornhuskers, LaCouture became LSU's 24th commit while in Baton Rouge with his mother.
Players who didn't make it to the game still had opinions to share as well:
• Watch List CB Hardeman happy with LSU: "The secondary played ball out there. Jalen Mills is a true freshman, but he’s been playing real well. From top to bottom, the guys stepped up."
• Race of 3 for DL Justin Manning?: Manning, a 6-foot-2, 275-pound lineman, has been considered an Oklahoma lean for months, as his brother, DeMarcus Granger, played defensive tackle for the Sooners from 2006 to 2009.
• Four-star S Tahaan Goodman stays patient: It pained Goodman to postpone the trip, but that, "Me and Priest Willis (Tempe, Ariz./Marcos de Niza) are still going to head out to Louisiana, but just on a different weekend."
:
• RB Scarborough solid to Bama after LSU hurdles: 2014's Bo Scarborough, a Crimson Tide commit, ran into logistical problems during his visit to Death Valley.
• WR Quinn: Mettenberger looked like NFL QB: Louisiana's leading prep receiver from Lake Charles, La./Barbe and a member of the ESPN Watch List for the 2014 signing class also enjoyed meeting a former Tigers standout.
• CB Tony Brown applauds Bama, LSU: The ESPN Watch List cornerback called Saturday’s clash of SEC powers "one of the best games I’ve ever been to."
• RB Fournette surprised by Bama's play call: Two of Leonard Fournette's top schools, Alabama and LSU, came down to the final minute -- and a a screen play executed to perfection by the Crimson Tide.
• Desean Smith liked Nic Jacobs' wrinkle: "I got to talk to [LSU tight ends coach Steve Ensminger] at the end and I told him I liked the way they used the tight ends," Smith said.
• Watch List WR Dupre excited by LSU: The 6-foot-3 target couldn't help noticing Zach Mettenberger's explosion for 298 yards and a touchdown with a 68 percent completion rate.
• QB commit Rettig: LSU is 'right place': While the Tigers took Saturday's setback hard, Rettig was feeling the emotions with them during his visit.
• DT Rod Crayton narrows list to four: The three-star prospect said his top schools currently include Arkansas, LSU, Penn State and Tennessee.
• Kendell Beckwith likes 'crazy' Death Valley: "I never thought it could get much crazier at night in Tiger Stadium than it was for South Carolina. ... I thought I had seen it as bad as it could get as far as the fans go, but this game, man. They were crazy as far as hollering. Just all night. I see why it's hard for teams to come in there and win."
• ESPN 300 prospects Neal, Herron love visits: Both are commits; Herron, a DL, emailed: "It was great. That was my first game and I feel that I can play right away."
• DL Tim Williams: 'It was Alabama loud': The target says Death Valley's game atmosphere is why people want to play for the Tigers.
• LB Tre Williams talks Bama-LSU: The 2014 target says he knew LSU had the ability to give Alabama a game if they proved mentally ready.
• DT LaCouture pledges to LSU during visit: Formerly committed to his hometown Nebraska Cornhuskers, LaCouture became LSU's 24th commit while in Baton Rouge with his mother.
Players who didn't make it to the game still had opinions to share as well:
• Watch List CB Hardeman happy with LSU: "The secondary played ball out there. Jalen Mills is a true freshman, but he’s been playing real well. From top to bottom, the guys stepped up."
• Race of 3 for DL Justin Manning?: Manning, a 6-foot-2, 275-pound lineman, has been considered an Oklahoma lean for months, as his brother, DeMarcus Granger, played defensive tackle for the Sooners from 2006 to 2009.
• Four-star S Tahaan Goodman stays patient: It pained Goodman to postpone the trip, but that, "Me and Priest Willis (Tempe, Ariz./Marcos de Niza) are still going to head out to Louisiana, but just on a different weekend."
Kendell Beckwith likes 'crazy' Death Valley
November, 4, 2012
11/04/12
2:54
PM ET
By
David Helman | ESPN.com
Kendell Beckwith was a bit burnt out after Saturday night's thrilling proceedings in Tiger Stadium.
Asked what he thought of his visit to LSU's game -- a heartbreaking, last-minute 21-17 defeat to No. 1 Alabama -- Beckwith replied with a simple, "Pretty good."
What? A back-and-forth affair between two heated rivals, and last year's BCS championship game participants? Just "pretty good?" Pressed to elaborate, the No. 15 recruit in the nation laughed.
Asked what he thought of his visit to LSU's game -- a heartbreaking, last-minute 21-17 defeat to No. 1 Alabama -- Beckwith replied with a simple, "Pretty good."
What? A back-and-forth affair between two heated rivals, and last year's BCS championship game participants? Just "pretty good?" Pressed to elaborate, the No. 15 recruit in the nation laughed.
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RecruitingNation has summoned its writers from around the country to compile a list of the top 10 battles for elite football recruits leading up to February's signing day. We'll update our rankings periodically to reflect a change in a player's status (i.e., new offers, trimmed-down list or a positive/negative official visit).
Our writers have debated the list for weeks, but we value your input as well. Voice your opinion on Twitter (@RecruitingESPN) using#BlueChipBattles or vote for which player should hold the No. 1 spot on Facebook.
leading up to February's signing day. We'll update our rankings periodically to reflect a change in a player's status (i.e., new offers, trimmed-down list or a positive/negative official visit).
Our writers have debated the list for weeks, but we value your input as well. Voice your opinion on Twitter (@RecruitingESPN) using#BlueChipBattles or vote for which player should hold the No. 1 spot on Facebook.
Kendell Beckwith can't wait for Bama-LSU
November, 2, 2012
11/02/12
8:35
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- ESPN 150 athlete Kendell Beckwith (Jackson, La./East Feliciana) has had Nov. 3 circled on the calendar for almost a year now. No, it’s not his birthday. It’s Alabama and LSU (part III) in Death Valley.
Beckwith, who attended last year’s game in Tuscaloosa, has had the Crimson Tide and the Tigers at the top of his list since both schools offered a scholarship. There was no way the Louisiana native was going to miss this game.
“I’m so excited,” Beckwith said. “From what I saw last year, I hope it’s going to be more of the same this year. I just can’t wait to see what kind of game it is. I know it’s going to be close. I can’t wait to see it.”
Beckwith, who attended last year’s game in Tuscaloosa, has had the Crimson Tide and the Tigers at the top of his list since both schools offered a scholarship. There was no way the Louisiana native was going to miss this game.
“I’m so excited,” Beckwith said. “From what I saw last year, I hope it’s going to be more of the same this year. I just can’t wait to see what kind of game it is. I know it’s going to be close. I can’t wait to see it.”
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Weekend recruiting preview: Louisiana
September, 14, 2012
9/14/12
11:00
AM ET
By
David Helman | ESPN.com
As you'd expect, dozens of LSU commits and targets will be in action across the state this weekend. As we move toward the second month of the high school season, here is a handful of games and players for LSU fans to keep an eye on:
Barbe vs. Evangel Christian -- Barbe, the No. 3 team in the most recent Class 5A power rankings, takes on the No. 3 team in Class 2A. Barbe has been considered a state championship contender since the end of last season, largely thanks to the contributions of tight end and LSU commit DeSean Smith. Smith combines with speedy wide receiver and 2014 LSU target Trey Quinn to make the Barbe offense tough to stop. But the Buccaneers have been unable to get over the hump against Evangel in recent seasons.
Neville vs. Ouachita Parish -- Defending Class 4A state champion Neville takes on a regional rival and the No. 2 team in Class 5A. ESPN 150 athlete and LSU commit John Diarse quarterbacks the Tigers, and Neville has other talent like 2014 cornerback target Laurence Jones. Top 2014 wide receiver prospect Cameron Sims lines up for Ouachita.
Barbe vs. Evangel Christian -- Barbe, the No. 3 team in the most recent Class 5A power rankings, takes on the No. 3 team in Class 2A. Barbe has been considered a state championship contender since the end of last season, largely thanks to the contributions of tight end and LSU commit DeSean Smith. Smith combines with speedy wide receiver and 2014 LSU target Trey Quinn to make the Barbe offense tough to stop. But the Buccaneers have been unable to get over the hump against Evangel in recent seasons.
Neville vs. Ouachita Parish -- Defending Class 4A state champion Neville takes on a regional rival and the No. 2 team in Class 5A. ESPN 150 athlete and LSU commit John Diarse quarterbacks the Tigers, and Neville has other talent like 2014 cornerback target Laurence Jones. Top 2014 wide receiver prospect Cameron Sims lines up for Ouachita.
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RECRUITING NATION SOUTHEAST COVERAGE
The Southeast Region consists of the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee and is home to some of the nation's most talented football recruits each recruiting cycle.More RecruitingNation blogs
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