LSU’s 2021 recruiting class was loaded with talent at wide receiver. [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] and [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag] were the headliners and became two of the best pass-catchers in LSU history. Blue-chips Chris Hilton Jr. and Deion Smith signed with that class too.
There was also [autotag]Jack Bech[/autotag], yet another four-star. Bech had a strong freshman campaign, catching 43 passes for 489 yards. He stuck around through the coaching transition and remained with LSU in 2022. His production decreased, but he added 200 yards and a score in a crowded receiver room.
When the portal opened, Bech set out to look for a bigger role. He landed at TCU.
Bech wasn’t a major factor right away. He caught 12 passes for 146 yards in his first year in Fort Worth. Now a senior, Bech is amid a breakout.
With 56 catches for 982 yards and nine scores, Bech is among the Big 12’s top receivers. He’s second in yards while leading the conference in touchdowns.
This week, he was named a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award, annually given to the nation’s top receiver. The talent was always there for the Louisiana native. 2024 was Bech’s first real chance to be a focal point in an offense and he’s making the most of it.
When TCU plays Arizona this week, he should surpass the 1,000-yard mark. Bech will likely turn pro in the spring, joining LSU classmates Nabers and Thomas.