Leo computer geek Ajani Beckley rounding into shape

With his running mate Leon Hill, Ajani Beckley forms quite an offensive bookend. The two massive Leo interior offensive lineman are the keys in spring talented quarterback Darwin Rogers and the dangerous Lions attack.

The frightening thing about Beckley is his natural ability. 

“I don’t love football.  I just play it because I’m good at it,” Beckley said. 

Leo coach Mike Holmes says Beckley, a computer geek, is one of the smartest players he’s ever coached. 

“The first time I met him, and talked with him, I felt as though he was negotiating an NFL contract,” Holmes said.

Beckley showed proper initiative by shedding 35 pounds and improving his stamina and conditioning. 

"He’s the team’s strongest player, able to squat nearly 400 pounds," Holmes said. “He wasn’t sure he wanted to play.  We asked him to come out and give it a chance.  He did, and he showed amazing ability.  He has incredible quickness for his size.  We saw him playing basketball and could not believe how quick he was.” 

Beckley intends to use that speed to his advantage, using his lateral quickness to spring Leo’s outside running attack.

 “A lot of college scouts saw [Hill and Beckley] this summer, and they all came away shaking their heads, saying they couldn’t believe these guys were just juniors,” Holmes said. 

The thought brought a quick smile to the coach’s face.

Expectations for the season: Everything.  Become a better player with every day and win all of our games.

Career highlight: Getting a lot of pancake [blocks] and flattening or tearing down the guy in front of me.

Strengths of your game: My speed and ability to get on the outside and seal off my man or a linebacker.

Favorite NFL player: Brian Urlacher.

Favorite NFL team: New England Patriots.

Biggest rival: St. Rita.

Person most influential in your football career: Coach Carlton.  I never

played football until I got here.

Any tattoos: No.

Nicknames: AJ.

Interests: I love to work on computers and reading.

Favorite authors: Sandra Cisneros, Maya Angelou and Tupac, he was a great writer.

Favorite musician: Jay-Z.

Favorite video game platform: I don’t play video games. Like I said, I play with computers.

Favorite academic subject: English.

Role model: My momma.

Other sports: I play basketball as a hobby.

Favorite sport: Basketball.

Ultimate goal: Graduate and get a college scholarship.

Something people don’t know about you: I like a lot of old rock music.