With the early signing period for high school football players beginning on December 18, Badgers Insider takes a closer look at the recruits that signed with the Wisconsin football program.
In this edition, we examine Stratford (WI) High School offensive lineman Ben Barten.
Note: All notes and stats provided by uwbadgers.com
Barten chose Wisconsin over other Offers from: Iowa and South Dakota State
Barten’s High School Accolades: Three–star recruit by 247 Sports, ESPN and Rivals…Tim Krumrie Award winner as state’s top senior defensive lineman…2019 all–state selection by Wisconsin Football Coaches Association on offense and defense…2019 Wisconsin Small School Defensive Player of the Year (WFCA)…Led Stratford to 12 shutout wins as a senior in 2019
Barten’s Impact as a Badger: Barten may not be rated as a four star prospect like fellow in-state offensive tackles Jack Nelson and Trey Wedig but Barten has just as much potential as Nelson and Wedig. Although Barten could end up playing tackle for Wisconsin there’s also a chance that offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Joe Rudolph could try Barten at guard too.
Barten listed at 6’6″ and 265 pounds is a multi-sport athlete as he also plays for Stratford’s basketball team. Paul Chryst is a fan of prospects playing multiple sports as the skills Barten has developed playing basketball have certainly translated to the football field.
Like many other basketball players who play along the offensive line, Barten displays strong footwork. Allowing him to be able to get out of his stance quickly and allowing for him to be able to drive his defender off the line of scrimmage.
Barten will have to adjust to the competition level as he was playing in a smaller conference and at times was able to get away with being the better athlete to win his matchups. Although Barten has a high ceiling along the offensive line he will need to continue to work on his technique and hand placement to maximize his potential.
Although Barten projects to the offensive line he did play along the defensive line to for Stratford. Playing on the defensive line allows him to see it from a different side of the football. Barten’s ability to take what he has learned from playing on the defensive line and translate it to the offensive line will only help his development as an offensive lineman.