PORT ST. LUCIE – Leland Beckford has a lot going for him right now.
The Treasure Coast athlete can play multiple positions relatively well on the field – linebacker, defensive end, and others if necessary.
This past season as a junior was one to savor for the 6-foot-2, 211-pound defensive stalwart. In 12 games, he posted the following:
•43 total tackles (20 solo, 23 assist), 3.6 tackles per game, 2 tackles for loss.
•Best individual moment: Class 4S-Region 3 semifinal round vs. Vero Beach in 21-12 home win; Made touchdown-saving tackle to secure playoff win for Treasure Coast
•Best individual game: Week 3 vs. Seminole (Sanford) in 14-9 home win with 7 total tackles (5 assist, 2 solo) and PPW that led to pick-six
Beckford recapped his junior season at Treasure Coast.
“My junior season was by far my breakout season,” Beckford said. “I developed physically and mentally over this last season. What I loved about my junior season was playing alongside the greatest athletes on the Treasure Coast: “Duke” aka Jahari Grant, Knajee Saffold, Shamir Sterling, and Nikko Lopez, to name a few. These cats are killers on the field. They helped me get stronger, faster, and smarter. It’s the
“Titan Born Titan Bred” way. TC work ethic and discipline sets us apart from the rest. I like a challenge and I can only get better.”
Beckford did not stop there.
“I believe my season played out just the way it was supposed to,” Beckford said. “Coach [Irvin] Jones has taught me a lot since my ninth grade year. Coach Jones and Coach Harvey have been a big factor in my character building and discipline over the years. The better our relationship, the harder I was coached and critiqued, the better player I became. I respect and value the entire coaching staff. They hold me accountable on and off the field. We are family.”
Beckford has been continually working on his craft on a year-round basis. This includes the offseason and beyond.
“I stay at the Number 1 spot on the board in the weight room,” Beckford said. “I’m in the 1,000-pound weight club, totaling 1,170 lbs. I squat at 530, bench at 345 and power clean at 295. I have a great group of teammates and coaches surrounding me and pushing me to get stronger. I’ve been working on my speed agility and mobility.”
Beckford’s offseason grind has been an all-encompassing experience in more ways than one.
“In offseason, I’ve been focused on getting stronger and gaining weight,” Beckford said. “Strength training is key. I use compound exercises like squats and bench press. For explosive exercises, I do box jumps and medicine ball throws, plus speed and agility drills. Also, I work on incline bench, press explosive push ups, dumbbell push shuttle runs, and Cohen drills. I’m grinding in the gym.”
Beckford has a trainer who also happens to be an integral member of the Treasure Coast coaching staff.
“I also train outside of school everyday at Yates Performance Training,” Beckford said. “Yates will get you right.”
Treasure Coast ‘25 offensive lineman Zyon Harris (transfer from Inlet Grove/Pahokee native) vouched for Beckford on all accounts.
“I’ve known Leland for some time now,” Harris said. “We played little league with each other since 10 years old. He’s always been a good kid, never been in a lot of trouble. He has always been a very hard worker on the football field. And since I been at TC, I’ve seen how hard he works in the weight room, having the highest weight and almost every lift.”
As a result of all this action, Beckford has earned his first two offers from Webber and Keiser. He spoke on this.
“My first offer was from Webber,” Beckford said. “I attended a prospect camp and performed really. I also did well on the 40 and shuttle. After the camp they offered. Keiser came out to the school this past week to talk with me. After a great conversation, I received my second offer. I’m grateful for every opportunity.”
Beckford’s attention has now turned to the spring football circuit with Treasure Coast. He addressed how the first week went for him.
“Being back in pads is great,” Beckford said. “Starting out strong with four picks, plenty of PBU’s, and great hits. Great to see how my team is developing.”
Treasure Coast will be playing in the Palm Beach Gardens Spring Jamboree for the third straight year on Saturday, May 18.
Translation: Week 2 started earlier today and the spring football circuit ends with Week 3 in exactly 12 days.
“You can expect for me to be prepared for this one,” Beckford said.
Here’s to a successful spring football circuit, a successful and healthy summer, and a successful and healthy fall with district and regional titles. These are Beckford’s specific goals for this year.
PHOTO CREDITS: Mark Riemer
Muck City Media Enterprises 
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