Overlooked 2020 All-State Washington DE/OLB Ben Voigtlaender Talks GSL MVP Honors

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Class of 2020 Mead High School defender Ben Voigtlaender proved to be a rising star during the 2018 season taking on Greater Spokane League talent. After bouncing around from one position to another with the Panthers trying to find his fit on defense, the 6-2, 245-pound, talent crept up on opposing Washington high school football teams like a force of nature playing defensive end earning 4A GSL Defensive Player of the Year and first team All-State. His contributions to the team were well received earning Team Defensive MVP and a Team Captain Award. As one might guess, regional programs are just learning about him with more staffs sure to find out about him with a heavy camp and combine schedule set for this spring.

In an RNG exclusive, I sat down with one of Washington’s top talents in the 2020 class who is flying under the radar for now to get the inside story on his 2018 breakout season.

Interview

Ben, looking back on the 2018 season, you won GSL Defensive Player of the Year honors for your work on the field. When you found out you had earned the honor, what was your reaction?

“My immediate feeling was of gratitude. I have only been a defensive lineman since about Week 3 or 4 of sophomore year. I had jumped around from linebacker to strong safety but defensive line/outside linebacker is where I found myself. I fought hard to get into the rotation. Getting best GSL player was huge. I was very thankful.”

From watching your game film, you use the push-pull technique well and you have violent hands, what were some of the other techniques and traits to your game that helped you also earn All-State honors?

“One of the biggest traits is my motor. I will chase down the ball 50 yards downfield. I will not stop until I get the ball carrier. I hustle and make the most out of the time when my feet are on the field. A teammate of mine who just signed with Yale, he is a defensive line technique master. I worked a lot and learned a lot from him. My defensive line coach, played in the Canadian Football League. He has taught me a lot really helping me improve my game.”

Was there an area of your game that was a weakness to start the season but by the end had become a strength?

“Yes. We switched the defensive around this year. We played a rush to the QB scheme in 2017, but we were getting sliced. We had a new defensive coordinator this year. Our job in his scheme was to build walls up front and set guys up to make plays. The biggest part was sticking to the new scheme and not letting tackles get a free release to the backers. The biggest challenge was staying on guys and not getting out of my spot waiting for them to come to me.”

Going into the offseason, what are you focused on with your workouts?

“I am focused on speed, explosiveness, strength, and technique. The big thing is my footwork. I am working to have faster and crisper footwork. I want to be cleaner with my footwork, no wasted steps when I drop back into coverage as an outside linebacker. My hands are good, I want to link that to my feet.”

You have kind of answered this already, but where all might you play during your senior year?

“I will play defensive end and mix in some defensive tackle. I will be dropping back as an outside linebacker quite a bit and I may even play some in the middle. I will be playing all over. I like it and I am excited to show what I can do.”

Are you going to any national camps and/or combines this spring to show off your skills?

“Yes.  I received an invite to the Nike Opening Regional in Oakland or D.C. I am not sure which one I will attend yet. We have the Northwest showcase in Oregon coming up and there is a Spokane showcase I plan on attending.”

With recruiting, which schools are showing interest?

“I am receiving interest from Oregon State, Wyoming, UPenn, Yale, Eastern Washington, Montana State, and Idaho.”

Have you had a chance to take any unofficial visits?

“Yes. I visited Eastern Washington for their game against Idaho.”

How did the EWU visit go?

“It was awesome. Eastern has an awesome campus and an awesome atmosphere. They care about their players. I was an awesome program to be around.”

Are you participating in any other varsity sports this year?

“Yes, wrestling.”

Back to football. Is there an area of your game you feel gets overlooked?

“My ability as a run stopper. I have a lot of pass rush film, I like getting to the QB, but I love hardnosed football. I love making plays and stopping guys behind the line of scrimmage.”

If all goes to plan during the offseason, what will you have accomplished to make it successful?

“I would like to repeat as GSL MVP and as a first team All-State performer. I would like to be the state of Washington’s Defensive Player of the Year.”

I like it. What do you feel sets you apart from other players similar to you position wise in the 2020 class?

“My work ethic and motivation sets me apart. I am ready for college coaches to see that and jump on it.”

Ben, it was great talking to you today and covering your game on the field. Good luck with your offseason workouts and with your wrestling season.”

“Thank you.”

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Photo credits: Makenna Bush; Ben Voigtlaender