Wendell Beckwith has not done much in his first three years at Tulane. With the Green Wave light on defensive ends this spring, he is trying to make the most of a huge opportunity that may constitute his final chance.

Otherwise, he will finish next fall with unfulfilled ambitions.

"You couldn't have told me by my junior year here I wouldn't have started a game," he said. "If you would have told me that three years ago, I would have said you were crazy, you better go watch the film. It would mean everything to finish strong, and that's what I'm trying to do."

Despite showing potential as a pass rusher, Beckwith (6-feet-2, 225 pounds) barely has played since signing with Tulane in 2010 at the end of a stellar career at Clinton High near Baton Rouge. He had three tackles in nine games as a true freshman, one tackle in seven games in 2011 and four tackles in five games last season.

The arrival of a new coaching staff did not change his status. He looked good enough to crack the depth chart last spring before failing to make an impact in the fall.

"Wendell's always been naturally a good pass rusher," defensive line coach/co-defensive coordinator Jon Sumrall said. "That's his biggest strength. We're challenging him to incorporate some physicality and a little bit more toughness and just be contact courageous and turn into a physical player.

"When you're in front of the tight end, be physical. Kick his tail. In football, you better attack. Even in his pass rush I want to see him be a little more physical and a little bit less finesse sometimes."



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