Carroll Academy football coach Bo Milton told any college coach who would listen that Cooper Beck could play at the next level.
Henderson State’s Scott Maxfield listened. And after watching Beck’s highlights, offered the 6-foot-4, 290-pounder an hour after getting his film
After visiting the campus, Beck committed to play for the Reddies of Arkadelphia, Ark, who a Division II school that plays in the Great American Conference. Beck signed with the Reddies last week.
After sending his highlights to the in-state schools, Milton eventually turned to one of his college coaches in Henderson State coach Scott Maxfield.
“I had some connections at Henderson with the head coach,” Milton said. “We have kept in touch over the years and he was at Pearl River when I was at Tri-County. We went to a camp there two years ago. We sent Cooper’s film to them they offered him within an hour of seeing him.”
Milton said Henderson offered Beck as a defensive lineman, where he was dominant this past season. Beck led the Rebels to an 11-1 record and a spot in the Class 3A championship game.
“They really liked him on defense,” Milton said. “They loved how he played on defense and how he moved for his size. They connection opened up the door but it was all on Cooper. They asked me if he could play defensive tackle in their three-man front and told him absolutely. Their defensive line coach loved him. He has got a motor and it’s constant. He gets after it every play.”
Beck had 82 tackles and four sacks and was named the MAIS Class 3A defensive player of the year. He was also named the Greenwood Commonwealth Player of the year and played in the MAIS 1A-2A-3A All-star football game.
“He has played both ways his sophomore, junior and senior seasons,” Milton said. “I thought he really shined as a defensive lineman. They are there to eat up blocks, not to get tackles. But he made some many plays on the line. He was the defensive MVP for Class 3A and that’s really something for a defensive tackle.”
Milton said he thinks Henderson is getting a steal.
“I think he is a great fit for them,” Milton said. “I think they got a jewel. I think a lot of schools missed out on him. It’s a shame that he got overlooked. I think they all missed a chance at getting a really good football player. He has worked hard to play on the next level and will have that opportunity. It’s on him now.”
Beck said he liked the coaches and campus and thought it was a perfect fit.
“I thought the coaches were really engaging,” Beck said. “I really like the way they do things. They have the same kind of attitude as Coach Milton. And I like the coaches they have surrounded themselves with. I thought the campus was really perfect. Everything was right there. For the football athletes, they have a new study space and a new weight room. They have put some money into academics. You don’t have to drive, you can walk to everything.”
Beck, who will be 17 when he graduates in May, said the Henderson State coaches have already told him they will redshirt him next year.
“They are going to red shirt me and I love that idea,” Beck said. “It gives me a year to put toward my degree and put more into my studies. They offered me a really good scholarship and I am thankful for that. I’m a really young senior and still have time to grow and develop. I’m really excited about getting out of the house and ranging out and doing my own thing. It seems like a really neat place. I’ve gotten to know some of the recruits. My roommate will be Alston Moore from Ben’s Ford, and we played in the All-star game together.”
Beck said he is going to major in pre-med and wants to go to the University of Mississippi Medical Center after graduation and be an anesthesiologist.
