Interview: Offer Sheet Growing for 2018 California DL Baraka Beckett
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is nothing a person can do to tout the accomplishments of a defensive lineman better than give an overwhelming stat line. For Baraka Beckett, 84 tackles in nine games goes beyond any run of the mill adjectives. For his senior season, Beckett is putting his skills to the test after transferring from Windward to Palisades High School ready to showcase his abilities against a different group of California competition.
On one hand, some may feel sorry for the opposing linemen, quarterbacks, and running backs Beckett made look silly during the 2016 season. Beyond his 84 stops, the 6-4, 280 pound, talent racked up 15 tackles for a loss, with five sacks while batting down three passes and forcing a fumble with one picked up. The competition level is sure to increase in 2017 with games against teams like Westchester and Venice High School.
For seven college programs, they have seen enough of Beckett seeing his potential to be an impact player. The seven schools to extend an offer includes Army, UNLV, Cornell, UC Davis, Hawaii, Idaho, and Columbia. The offer sheet is sure to expand ahead of National Signing Day with teams like Wyoming and Boise State showing interest. Beyond the physical, Beckett is working it in the classroom as well where he sports a 3.0 GPA and scored an 1160 on the SAT.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the rising Class of 2018 stars in the Los Angeles are to get his thoughts on his junior season with an update on his transfer to Palisades.
Interview
Baraka, when did you transfer from Windward to Palisades?
“In January.”
How has the transfer gone?
“Honestly, it has been smoother than expected. I like to stay in my own groove, stick with my schedule. It went well. I have made a lot of new friends, it has been a lot of fun.”
How did your game on the field improve by the end of your junior season?
“By the end of the season, often times there were situations where the play was not to my side and the running back would break a long one. My pursuit improved during the season tracking down plays from the backside.”
What has been the focus of your off-season workouts?
“I’ve been working on a couple of things. The biggest is my conditioning. Last year, towards the end of the game I was tired. I will go both ways this year. My hand placement and movement is something I have been working on this off-season. I want to get to the QB as quick as possible.”
Which position on offense will you play during your senior year?
“I will mainly be playing right tackle.”
Are you excited to get time in at right tackle?
“I am. I have always told people I like offense and defense but for different reasons.”
Did you max out this off-season in the weight room?
“I have. I got 310 on bench and my squat is around 450, somewhere around there.”
Did any college coaches come by to meet you in person or watch you workout this spring?
“Yes. It was one of the more exciting parts of spring for me. UCLA, UNLV, Oregon, Air Force, Sac State (Sacramento State), Nevada, APU (Azusa Pacific), Hawaii, and UC Davis came by to see me.”
Did you go to any camps during the second season?
“I went to a lot of camps. I flew to Idaho for the Vandals camp and I flew to Berkeley for a Cal camp. I went to an APU camp, UCLA camp, flew to Rice for their camp, and went to a Boise State satellite camp.”
Which was your best camp performance?
“The Rice camp. During the one-on-ones, I won all of them. I got a lot of reps in too.”
Which position did you play during the camp, defensive end or tackle?
“Both end and tackle but more at defensive tackle.”
Did you visit any other campuses this off-season?
“I did. I went to UNLV. I met the entire staff. They were warm, kind, and friendly. Last year I went on a bunch of unofficial visits for games.”
How many offers do you have now?
“Seven.”
Are there any other schools showing recruiting interest in you beyond the ones already named?
“Right now, Wyoming is showing me a lot of interest and so is Boise State.”
What goals have you set for your senior year?
“I want to improve my number of sacks. I had 84 tackles, but not that many sacks. I will work on getting to the QB this year.”
How will you be used within the Palisades defensive scheme?
“A lot of stunts and twisting with the nose guard. Overall, our defense is pretty simple – get the guy with the ball. On offense, hopefully I will be a good down blocker and pass blocker for my team.”
How does the team look going into the season?
“We are looking good. We have good chemistry. The line is looking great. We are still figuring out some positions but we look good overall.”
Are there a couple of games that will be key games for you guys this season against quality teams?
“One of the main games is against Westchester. They are ranked No. 3 in city section. Beating them will be a big boost to our seeding. And Venice, they have been our rivals for a long time. I’m excited for that game.”
What is your motivation on the field?
“The main thing that drives me, I am a competitive person. Since I was a kid I’ve always wanted to be the best at whatever it is that I am doing. That is in my nature to be the best at whatever I do.”
Baraka, thanks for your time today and good luck with fall camp.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credits: twitter.com; No. 75 Baraka Beckett
Photo credit: Beckett family; Baraka Beckett at Washington State (2016)