ATLANTA — Jack Bech relishes the opportunity to play in his home state.
The former St. Thomas More multi-sport star and second-year LSU wide receiver spoke about that at SEC Media Days at the College Football Hall of Fame on Monday.
“It just means a little bit more whenever you’re playing for LSU,” Bech said. “Being from Louisiana, you want to put on for your state. You want to put on for your family and your friends. It’s been
awesome being able to play here at LSU.”
Bech’s first season at LSU may not have been “awesome” as the Tigers went 6-7 overall and fired head coach Ed Orgeron. Yet, Bech and the rest of the deep group of wide receivers did show immense promise.
For the upcoming season, LSU returns former Westgate High star Kayshon Boutte (38 receptions, 509 yards, 9 TD), Jaray Jenkins (34 receptions, 502 yards, 6 TD), Bech (43 rec., 489 yards, 3 TD), former Comeaux High star Malik Nabors (28 rec., 417 yards, 4 TD) and Brian Thomas (28 rec., 359 yards, 2 TD).
Not to mention, the team added Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns star Kyren Lacy (22 rec., 304 yards, 6 TD) through the NCAA Transfer Portal.
“Our wide receiver room is stacked, and we are headed by one of the best wide receiver coaches in college football in Coach (Cortez) Hankton,” Bech said. “Everybody in that room is a very good football player, athlete, and route runner.”
For Bech, he is looking to take his game to the next level in 2022, particulary with him playing primarily wide receiver instead of splitting time at wide receiver and tight end.
“I want to get, bigger, stronger, and faster, because in the SEC, if you don’t elevate and transform, then you’re behind par,” Bech said. “You always have to be elevating and on top of your game, whether that be in season or offseason, you have to be getting better at it.”
Bech will show off his, and LSU’s, improved skill set in the season opener against Florida State — a game that will be played inside the Superdome.
“I’m excited to pad up again and to start playing some more games to see how all the hard work we put in this offseason has come into our gameplay,” Bech said.