When Addison Trinity Christian three-star offensive lineman Jaylan Beckley decommitted from Clemson at the beginning of March, one school stood above the rest as he looked toward his future in college football. 

“I had more of a foundation of a relationship with Oklahoma State,” Beckley said. “The thing that really separated Oklahoma State was the fact that I had those relationships already pre-established before I even got introduced to Clemson.”

Beckley emphasized his love for the Clemson community and staff who first gave him the hope of becoming a collegiate star, but the sway of Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy and veteran offensive line coach Charlie Dickey was too much for the Tigers to handle.

“I’ve always had a really great relationship with them during my process,” Beckley said about the two. “Something I value a lot is honesty, I’m a huge relational guy, that was the biggest thing for me in my recruiting process.”

Beckley, who committed to the Cowboys on April 5th, stands above the rest at the TAPPS level, already standing 6-foot-5 and nearly 300 pounds as a high school junior.

His offer list includes powerhouses like Georgia, LSU and Florida State. But Beckley isn’t interested in those bluebloods. He values exactly what the Cowboys bring.

“It’s a culture thing. Throughout the entire campus and community it’s a big family,” Beckley said. “Coach Dickey always would ask me about things past football. We really talk about life more than football. “

Dickey knows of the talent that he’s brought to Stillwater. Alongside a large frame, Beckley has comfort playing nearly every spot on the offensive line, with each recruiting website changing what position they believe he is most fit for.

“Being able to do as many things as possible makes you more marketable and makes you a more valuable player,” Beckley said.

When speaking with Beckley, it becomes clear what he values; Working on relationships in all aspects of life, from football to his faith.

“The biggest thing that I've been able to learn through my faith is that regardless of all this success and options that I've had now, I'm not defined by that,” Beckley said.

Beckley echoed his strong relationships again when speaking about his mother.

“I'm just so close to my mom. We've been through so much together as she’s always that supporting rock for me,” Beckley said. “I think having that big support system, it helps so much. And it made a lot of things a lot easier, so I don't have to deal with anything alone.”