Recruiting Spotlight: OL/DL Behrend Behrendsen, St. Mary’s High School
by Jace LeJeune
St. Mary’s High School in Natchitoches, Louisiana is not one of the biggest football programs in the state, but they had some great seasons in the past such as making the state championship two years ago. Since it is not one of the biggest teams and that this is a 1A football team, a lot of players have to play on both sides of the football. One of these guys that have to serve that role is OL/DL Behrend Behrendsen. Behrendsen was one of the tough leaders for the Tigers. What they say is that the game is won at the line of scrimmage and at 6’3, 280 pounds, Behrendsen anchors both lines of scrimmage and sets the tone. He is one of those players that is unselfish and does whatever it takes to help his football team out. He is smart and can adjust to the game as it goes. Some coach is going to want a guy like Behrend Behrendsen on their football team and that is somebody who is mentally and physically tough. Louisiana Football Magazine Editor and T.V. Host Lee Brecheen had this to say about the talented lineman from St. Mary’s.
“Sometimes colleges make mistakes by not actually going to high school games to scout linemen in 1A or 2A football,” Brecheen said. “I did see this kid play in person in 2015 and came away impressed with his toughness, strength, quickness, and high effort. I think with the right D-I school, he could get on the field, in two years, because of his effort and football ability.
As of right now, big I-A programs such as Northwestern State and Louisiana Tech have shown interest in Behrend Behrendsen, but he is still looking at his options on where he wants to continue his football career. In today’s recruiting spotlight article, the longtime starter for the St. Mary’s Tigers reflects on his high school career, recruiting, and so much more!
St. Mary’s OL/DL Behrend Behrendsen gets a little break on the sidelines cheering his teammates on. (Photo courtesy of Gunner Behrendsen)
LAFM: What is your name, age, position, and school you play for?
Behrend Behrendsen, 18, offensive lineman, St. Mary’s Catholic School
LAFM: What is your height and weight?
6’3, 280 lbs.
LAFM: What is your ACT score and GPA?
26 ACT and 3.5 GPA
LAFM: What is your max bench press, max squat, and 40 yard time?
Bench: 280 pounds, squat: 370 pounds, and 5.6 40 yard time
LAFM: What are your stats and accomplishments while playing at St. Mary’s High School?
I have no stats, but I was Honorable Mention my sophomore year, second team All-District my junior and senior year. I was also a part of the 2014 and 2015 district champions, 2013 quarter finalists, 2014 semi finalists, and 2015 state finalists.
LAFM: What are your top schools as of right now?
Northwestern State University and Louisiana Tech in that order.
LAFM: What are some things that you look at when you look at colleges?
I am looking at if they have the degree that I am going into. I am also looking at an environment that will expand my social circles to make connections that I can rely on in the future.
LAFM: You play on both sides of the football. Which position do you want to play in college?
I want to play on the offensive line when I am in college.
LAFM: What are your strengths as a football player?
I am an encouraging player. I always try to push those around me to do better and work harder. I will use my voice to cheer everyone on when I am not on the field. I hate losing, and it drives me to be better. I am willing to listen to my coaches and make adjustments according to their suggestions. I am very technical and have quick feet. I play with power and hit hard.
LAFM: What are some things that you need to improve on?
I find that I overthink plays when we have in-game adjustments. I can be cautious at times on the line.
LAFM: Two years ago, the team made the state championship game but lost to a very talented Southern Lab football team. What was that experience like for you even though the game didn’t end in the result that you wanted to?
When we played in the state championship game and lost to Southern Lab, it really hurt. We had an amazing season and fought 100% every game. Like I said, when we lost, it hurt, but it pushed me even harder for the next season. It was an amazing experience playing in the Super Dome. It gave me a feeling of pride that I was able to help my team reach that point.
LAFM: This season, the team lost to St. Frederick in the first round of the playoffs. What are your thoughts on the season as a whole?
I am glad that we had ended with a winning season. We had to overcome several setbacks throughout the season, but we kept working at it despite all our injuries.
St. Mary OL/DL Behrend Behrensen (70) makes a great block for his running back. (Photo courtesy of Kevin Shannahan)
LAFM: What do you do during the off-season?
