Kentucky, Louisville, MTSU in play for Florida-based linebacker

HIALEAH, Fla. -- Jaquan Beaver’s focused is narrowed.

First and foremost, the three-star linebacker is locked in on his senior season at Miami’s Booker T Washington High School. But the narrow-focus theme also applies to his recruitment. When he discusses that, he talks only about three schools.

This process isn’t exactly wide ranging.

“Middle Tennessee, Kentucky, and that’s pretty much it for me,” Beaver said of the schools he’s considering. “I’ve been talking to Louisville a little too.”

But his inclusion of Louisville comes with a caveat. His offer from the Cardinals isn’t totally committable at this time. It’s a fact that Beaver says may change as soon as his senior film begins to make the rounds.

This season, it seems, is a proving ground of sorts.

“Louisville is telling me they want me but they want to see more,” Beaver said on Friday. “They want to see me playing standing up this year because I play with my hand in the ground a lot. If they see what they like and see me stand up more, we can seal the deal.”

For now Kentucky and Middle Tennessee lead the way. Beaver names them as leaders but doesn’t say if that’s due to the fact that Louisville is keeping him at arm’s length. Whatever the case, however, his words about the Wildcat program are glowing.

“I love it,” Beaver said. “The coaches, they do a good job recruiting. They keep in touch with me. They’re best at that. I like them. They do great [recruiting] Florida, too.”

Beaver is ranked as the No. 51 outside linebacker in the class of 2018. He has set no timetable for a decision.