St. Thomas More star wide receiver Jack Bech has only gotten better since last season. The Cougars are off to a 4-0 start and Bech has been an integral part of the team’s success.
The three-star recruit has garnered offers from LSU, the University of Texas, TCU and many other football programs. He recently de-committed from Vanderbilt. Bech spoke on what’s next for him and what has gone into his improvement on the field.
Question: You just de-committed from Vanderbilt. What went into that decision?
Answer: It was a mix of a lot of things. Coach (Damon) Mason and his staff have been nothing but real with me. They have been an amazing group of people for me to have in my life. I felt like it was the right moment for my family and I for me to de-commit and rethink my options. A lot has happened in the past few weeks and I think that I have a lot to think about. The ball will be in God’s court now.
Q: Would you say you’ve gotten a lot more offers and, if so, why do you think that is the reason?
A: With quarantine, it was up to the player’s to do it themselves. I think all the work we did through the quarantine: the two-a-days, running, working out and hitting legs a lot really helped me to get an edge on everybody. I have gotten a lot bigger, stronger and faster from last year. That was the thing for me last year. I wasn’t fast enough.
Q: So would you say your message to people is “Don’t skip leg day?”
A: Yes. For sure.
Q: What has this season been like for you and the team so far?
A: It has been great. We are 4-0 right now. Our offense is really lighting up right now. Our defense is playing phenomenal From top to bottom, everybody is doing their part. It’s been really fun to play with Walker Howard. He’s been a beast this season.
Q: How has your relationship with Walker Howard developed over time and how has that helped you on the field?
A: We’ve been friends since we were babies. We grew up together. My uncle and his dad played at LSU together. So we’ve been throwing the ball around since we were really young. That’s my brother. He’s family to me.
Q: What kind of commitment advice has your family offered you?
A: They just said to take my time and make sure I make the right decision. It’s going to be a decision that holds me the rest of my life.
Q: What’s one thing your family has taught you about football that has stuck with you?
A: Don’t stop until you’re great. Don’t stop until you’re the best. Keep going until you reach that ultimate goal in your head.
Q: What’s your ultimate goal?
A: My goal is ,honestly, like every kid’s. It’s to make it to the NFL. I’m not going to stop until that happens.
Q: Is there anything you feel like you have to prove as you come to the end of your high school football career?
A: I’m not out here to prove anything to people. I’m out here to prove something to myself. I’m making sure I’m doing what’s best for me at the end of the day.
Q: Going back to the commitment process, what kind of factors will go into your next decision?
A: Being at a place that cares about me, not only as a football player, but as a person. I want to be at a place that shows me love and really wants me. Also, I want to play on a big stage and have a good education.
Q: Halloween is coming up. What’s your favorite candy?
A: Sour straws.
Q: Are you a fan of candy corn?
A: I am a fan of candy corn. I wouldn’t call it a love. If there’s a bag in front of me, I’m definitely going to eat it. I like how it’s hard but then you bite into it and it’s soft. It’s real sugary and it tastes good.