Ledford Excited For Becton's Big Draft Night
April 21, 2020 | Football
Mekhi Becton could be the highest drafted offensive linemen in school history.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Junior offensive tackle Mekhi Becton is special.
Just ask University of Louisville offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford
If anyone knows special offensive linemen, it's Ledford, who has had a propensity of producing some of the top offensive linemen in the college game.
If Becton is drafted on Thursday night, Ledford has the opportunity to become the only offensive line coach in college football to produce back-to-back first round selections at the offensive line positions.
Becton is expected be off the board early on Thursday evening based on numerous mock drafts and the buzz surrounding the mammoth offensive tackle. Playing in 11 games this season, Becton was influential in helping the Cardinals rushing for an average of 212.1 yards per game and average 447.1 yards of total offense.
"He does things at 355 pounds that 290 pound-players do," Ledford said. "When Mekhi is able to do those things, he is doing it with a lot more force than most players. He is special, and he's just as good of a person off the field. Being around him this year, and seeing his growth and development, he has been incredible. The relationship I have with Mekhi is different, and I'm very excited to see what happens Thursday."
Becton's size and athletic ability was on display for all 32 NFL teams at the combine in January. Weighing over 350 pounds, Becton sent shockwaves through league personnel by running a 5.1 40-yard dash, and shooting him up the draft boards.
"When I think of Mekhi, I think of a kid who would hang around my family and my kids," Ledford said. "He did a great job of being a mentor to our younger players, which was a huge benefit to our team this season. He took a big step on the field this year and he deserves this great opportunity."
Declaring early for the draft, Becton had a remarkable junior season, becoming the school's first Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner, given to the best blocker in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Highland Springs, Va., native started 35 games in his career, and concluded by becoming a first team all-league selection and a second team All-American honors. Â
"The experience I had with Mekhi this year, and the person I know him to be, I can't say enough good things about the kid. He hasn't scratched the surface and has really started to come into his own and will be an asset to any organization that drafts him."
Becton has an opportunity, when his name gets called early on Thursday evening, that he could likely be the highest drafted player in school history, and one of the top offensive linemen in school history. If taken in the first round, he would be only the third first round linemen in school history, joining Eric Wood, the No. 27 pick in 2009, and Bruce Armstrong, the No. 23 selection in 1987.
"I told Mekhi the other day that this is a special time for you," Ledford said. "It will be a celebration for all the work that you put in. It will be a little different this season with the situation we are in, but I told him to take it all in and enjoy the night."
Turning 21 years old the other day, Becton's potential is unlimited and has an opportunity to put his stamp on the offensive line position for years to come. Becton doesn't want to just garner a paycheck, he has lofty goals to be one of the top interior linemen in the game.
"In talking to Mekhi, he wants to be one of the best out there," Ledford said. "If that is his goal, then everything he does will be working toward that goal. It's one thing to get there, but Mekhi is really driven. He wants his name to be associated with some of the best players in the game. I'm extremely proud of the work he has put into it and I'm excited to see him take this next step. I will be looking forward to catch his games on Sunday, and he's someone who has a lot in front of him."
