Every time Tennessee gets a commitment in either football or men’s basketball, we will write up an impact report looking at what that recruit does well, what we feel can be improved, and what his projected impact with the Vols could be over the next few years.
Latest Commit: Dee Beckwith, ATH
Height/Weight: 6-foot-5, 220 pounds
School: Florence (Alabama)
Home Town: Florence, AL
Rankings
247Sports Composite: No. 389 overall, No. 18 ATH
247Sports: No. 358 overall, No. 19 ATH
Rivals: 5.7 rating No. 20 ATH
Notable Offers: Florida, Auburn, Oregon, Kentucky
What we like:
Beckwith is athletic, versatile, and a little faster than you’d expect. I love his vertical leap, and he fights for the ball down the field. Honestly, he reminds me a bit of Jauan Jennings with how he attacks the ball in the air on jump balls and how he fights through contact. The Vols had a great duo of jump ball receivers in Marquez Callaway and Jauan Jennings this past season, and Beckwith should fit into that role in his UT career. He has that type of awareness and physicality to succeed. I think that’s where his basketball background helps. He’s used to boxing out and being physical on the court, and that transitions over to the football field. He has a strong football IQ, too.
The 6-foot-5 athlete can be used in a variety of roles, and that should help him see the field quickly. I fully expect to see him used as a tight end, wide receiver, and wildcat quarterback.
Places to improve:
Because he never settled in to one position, Beckwith isn’t exactly polished at any one spot on the field. If Tennessee for sure wants to use him as a tight end, he’ll need a lot of teaching about blocking and playing alongside the offensive line. Beckwith has a lot of natural skills as a pass catcher, and he has the ideal frame for a tight end. But he might be like a Jason Croom-type at first before he can make his full impact. He also needs to add a good amount of weight still. As a big-bodied receiver, Beckwith has a pretty good build already. But if UT wants him to be a tight end moving forward, he definitely needs to add more weight.
Analysis:
I’m not sure how much of an immediate impact Beckwith will have as a true freshman, but I expect him to see the field. His overall impact as a Vol will depend on what Tennessee’s coaches decide to do with him. Will he be a full-time tight end, or will he be used more as a wide receiver? Regardless, I think Beckwith has a ton of potential and can be used in many roles on offense. He’s talented, has a huge frame, and is explosive at times. I think the ceiling is high for Beckwith, especially with this coaching staff.
