Sheridan's Beck Haswell commits to Wyoming football

CHEYENNE The dream was always there, somewhere in the back of his mind.

For Sheridans Beck Haswell, committing to play Division I football at the University of Wyoming felt like coming home even if he never left.

The dream inched one step closer following Haswells verbal commitment last week as a defensive end/tight end.

Through the entire recruiting process, I had a little thought in the back of my mind that thats kind of where I wanted to go, Beck told WyoSports on Tuesday.

Growing up here, watching UW football my whole life and knowing that thats the highest level of football I can play, that made my decision very easy.

Despite interest from multiple schools including Dickinson State, Black Hills State, and the University of Sioux Falls, it was the feeling in Laramie that set the Cowboys apart.

Every time I went down there, it was the same with how everyone was treating me, Beck said.

It felt like I was a five-star recruit coming out of Texas or something.

Family first Becks older brother, Alex, is already on the Cowboys roster, making the decision even more meaningful.

The two were only briefly teammates at Sheridan before Beck suffered an injury during his sophomore year.

Beck a 6-foot-3, 210-pounder made a tackle that sidelined him with a broken hand, landing him in a cast for six weeks.

Despite the setback, he returned during basketball season, using his ball-handling skills to help rebuild his strength and return to competing.

He influenced my decision pretty hard, Beck said about his brother.

Since sophomore year after I got injured, Ive just been thinking about playing with him again since that time got cut short, so Im really excited to be down there.

Alex, who made the transition from offensive to defensive line last season and is currently rehabbing from a knee injury, is equally excited.

The redshirt freshman said it was a no-brainer to go to UW during his recruitment process two years ago.

I wasnt sure if he was going to get offered early or not, but when he did, I didnt expect him to commit so quick, Alex said.

Its awesome that he did.

Im really happy about it, and my parents are super excited since were all going to be down there.

The chance to line up side-by-side again this time in War Memorial Stadium is a full-circle moment for the brothers.

After years of playing on different fields, they now get to share the same colors again at the college level.

For both, its a rare opportunity to finish where they left off years ago.

If he plays defensive end, well be right next to each other, which would be really special, Alex said.

When I found out he committed, it made me want to work harder, honestly.

It made me even more excited for being able to get back out there on the field.

Continued growth Sheridan coach Jeff Mowry has had a front-row seat to his Becks development on and off the field.

From the early days of his high school career to now, Mowry has observed Becks dedication and commitment to improving every aspect of his game.

Hes noticed how Becks work ethic and attitude has evolved, shaping him into a strong leader and an even better teammate.

Beyond just athletic skills, Mowry has also noticed Becks maturity.

The challenges Beck faced and overcame have contributed to his character, both on the field.

Hes learned how to be confident and not arrogant in what he does, Mowry said.

He has the ability to get others to follow him, which he has also grown into over the years.

The Broncs will lead on Becks leadership going into his senior season as they aim for their fifth consecutive Class 4A state title.

My goal right now is just to be a great leader for the young guys coming up, Beck said.

Obviously, I know that with this commitment comes a lot more responsibility.

...

The lineman of the year (and) all-state (accolades are) great, but the best moment I had was after the state tournament last year.

We got done shaking hands, and I was just crying next to Ty Gilbertson feeling so many emotions.

That is the No.

1 goal for me this year, to get back to that place.

Beck has all the physical tools expected for a lineman, including size, speed, and strength.

Those qualities help him stand out during games and practices.

But what really makes Beck different is how he approaches the game.

When we ask him to do anything that is a challenge, hell be the guy that steps up, Mowry said.

He loves football, and he loves the way we attack things.

The recruiting process for student-athletes looks different for everybody.

Some get early offers, while others have to fight for every opportunity by sending film, attending camps and waiting for a call that might never come.

Beck admits his recruitment was a rollercoaster.

When offers came in late, his doubts crept in, which took a toll on him mentally.

One week, youre on the top of this schools radar, and the next, youre not even getting a text from them, Beck said.

Its a lot of mental things you have to deal with, then you start to think about, Am I even good enough? The call up from the Cowboys made it all worth it.

It was awesome, Beck said.

I had a bunch of emotions flow over me when (second-year UW coach Jay) Sawvel said that he was going to offer me that scholarship.

It was really exciting.

I was so excited to tell everyone, especially my brother.

Becks humble and driven mindset isnt just a trait noticed by coaches.

Its something his older brother sees as a defining strength.

Having gone through the same process with UW, Alex knows whats coming for his brother.

The early morning lifts, the mental grind and the adjustment to a faster, more physical game.

But watching his younger brother take on those challenges is something hes looking forward to seeing firsthand.

Honestly, (Im just looking forward to) seeing how he handles it, Alex said.

Its always cool seeing how the freshmen react to the new lifting and all that.

I think itll be cool to see how Beck turns out after his freshman year.

Beck understands the transition to college football wont be easy.

Hes aware that natural talent alone wont be enough to carry him through the next level.

The shift from being a multi-sport athlete in high school to being one of many talented players in a college program is a reality hes not avoiding.

Im going to be one of the weaker athletes going in, Beck said.

(Im) just making sure that once I get past high school, I know I cant rely on my athleticism to take me all the way.

My brother has made it clear how hard it is to keep showing up and giving that effort every single day.

Becks decision represents a celebration of everything the brown and gold stands for, according to Mowry.

When one of Wyomings own chooses to represent the state, it fuels the pride and passion that brings the community together.

If youre a kid that grows up in Wyoming and plays high school football in Wyoming, its a dream to wear the brown and gold, Mowry said.

Theres something special in it.

Im really excited to see him in that uniform.

It gives younger guys in our program a dream to be able to go shoot for that and know its in reach..

This article has been shared from the original article on wyomingnews, here is the link to the original article.