Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame
There must be something in the water that produces great running backs in the South Memphis community surrounding Westwood High School. Steve Becton joins RJ Harper as the second Westwood prep star to be inducted into the Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame. Affectionately known as “JYD” by his teammates, Steve was the first of a long line of Lynx fullbacks who prospered in the Wing-T offense employed by the Lynx from 1985-92.
Twenty-one years after he concluded his career, Steve Becton still stands as Rhodes’ all-time leading rusher in football. He finished his career with 2,650 yards, surpassing Hall of Fame member Herman Morris during the 1987 season. Steve was the Lynx single season rushing leader from 1987 through 1995 with 913 yards. He earned All College Athletic Conference honors three consecutive years in 1985, 1986 and 1987. Steve was selected by his teammates for the 1987 J. Hal Daughdrill Award as the team’s Most Valuable Player.
Steve was an amazing running back. No one thought he had great speed, yet every time he broke a run to the open field no opposing defender could catch him. Steve couldn’t catch a pass in practice, yet he caught everything thrown to him in a game. He wasn’t especially big for a fullback at 185 lbs, yet it usually took three or four defenders to bring him down.
The Lynx captured the College Athletic Conference Championship by compiling a 7-1-2 record during Steve’s senior year. Rhodes began the 1987 season 0-1-1. People were asking, “What’s wrong with the Rhodes football team?” The answer to the Lynx woes was Steve Becton, who was standing on the sideline with a badly sprained ankle. He played in the next eight games and led the Lynx to a 7-0-1 record.
Today Steve works for Facing History and Ourselves and is recognized as one of Memphis’ outstanding community leaders. For the contribution he made to his alma mater, and for the inspiration and leadership he provides in building bridges to a better community. Rhodes is honored to induct STEVEN LA SEAN BECTON to the Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame this 3rd day of October, 2008.
