Recruiting: California WR Elijah Bechtel commits to Army during visit

Elijah Bechtel watched Army football team workouts and immediately thought of playing for the Black Knights in the future.

Bechtel, a slot receiver from Damien (Calif.) High, was early into his first West Point visit Friday and something felt right.

“The energy they (the players) give off hits you like a bus,” Bechtel said.

The vibe didn’t stop throughout Bechtel’s time this weekend. So much that Bechtel finished his trip by giving Army’s coaching staff his verbal commitment.

“I’m super excited and this place has something brewing,” Bechtel said. “The coaches are one of a kind. They have real love for what they do and the men they coach. The facilities are second to none.”

Bechtel is the second commit of Army’s 2025 class. Army is recruiting Bechtel to play wide receiver, slotback or H-back. Bechtel, who had 34 catches for 440 yards and four touchdowns as a junior, picked the Black Knights over a couple offers including one from a Power Four program.

“I have had some buzz with offers from Arizona State and UNLV and talking to different (old) Pacific-12 and Mountain West teams but Army felt different in a great way,” Bechtel said.