- Oct 10, 2023

Talking With 6'3 St. Viator Big Man Ben Konopka Class Of 2025 - Name You Must Know

So, in a way to better understand the use of Deep Dish Football for Illinois recruits and the whole entire IHSA Football scene. Decided to do player profiles of players who you might not know or you might know, but you should respect them for their roles on their respective teams. This is one of the many reasons why Deep Dish Football is respected in the IHSA. Every Football Player Has A Story To Tell

Ben Konopka St. Viator OL/DL Class Of 2025 6'3 280

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Ben Konopka, how is your junior season going so far?

My junior season has gone great so far, which I attribute to all of the offseason work I was able to complete. Our team has done well so far; we recently defeated a powerhouse Montini football program and played some good games against other state ranked competition.

How does it feel to get the big win over Montini?

It was a huge team victory over Montini that was predicated on the hard work and effort that we put into studying, practicing, and playing to the best of our ability. We went into the game as a team knowing that not many people would pick us upsetting a 5-1 team; however, we did not let that dissuade us and still played to the best of our abilities, leading to us emerging victorious. Personally, I am super proud of my team for stepping up to the challenge, and it definitely felt good to upset an excellent opponent. I think that a large majority of our team played the best game we’ve played this year, especially our defense and our offensive line.

What has been your favorite memory so far this season?

So far, my favorite memory has been spending time with my team up at St. Norbert’s College where we do summer practices and team bonding. This was my second time on this trip, and I always enjoy the opportunity to solely focus on football with my team. Not only is the food great, but the trip presents tons of time for individual growth and team comradery that makes it one of the best moments of the season. The only thing that rivals it is being able to apply the things we learned at these practices in our games!

What does football mean to you?

Football is the amazing opportunity to not only play a wonderful game, but it is also an opportunity where a brotherhood forms. I love the game of football, but I love the relationships that get built amongst a team, from players to players or players to coach, throughout the season. I also enjoy that football is the opportunity to hit and be aggressive for me as an offensive lineman. Excellence in athletics is also a legacy for me; football has run in my family for three generations, so living up this tradition means a lot to me.

What should college coaches know about you?

College coaches should know that I am not only a great, hardworking football player, but that I am also an excellent student–both in the classroom and on the field–as well as a terrific teammate and experienced leader. I believe that the legacy that you leave is extremely valuable and should be treated as such, so my actions are reflective of the high character standard that I hold myself to in order to leave a positive impact on others for years to come.

What do you like about playing in the trenches?

I love the constant challenge of trying to take a player and move him back against his will, and I love to hit. The trenches present an opportunity to do this every single play, and although the job is not glamorous, it is a great feeling when you defeat your opponent and provide an opportunity for others on your team (such as your RB or QB) to succeed.

What do you feel is your strongest trait on the football field?

My strongest trait on the football field is the aggressive edge and tenacity that I play with. Every play, it is my goal to not only complete my job, but to entirely eliminate one or more opposing players from the play. I play quick, mobile, and mean, and I will go out of my way to complete a block, even if it involves going halfway down field to lead block for a breakthrough run.

Who is the funniest player on the team?

I think that either Dayvion Ellis (WR, DB ‘25) or Peter LaFleur (OL, DL ‘26) is the funniest player on our team. Both of them are not only entertaining to be around, but they also have a level of focus that allows them to concentrate in critical moments that allows them to be great contributors to the team on the field in addition to being locker room comedians after a win!

What goals do you have for yourself this rest of the season?

My goals for myself are to keep playing aggressively, continue exceeding at my job every play, and to provide leadership for my teammates. Then, as soon as the offseason begins, I plan to enter the wrestling season and continue my intensive lifting/conditioning as well as technique sessions to continue growing in strength, speed, and knowledge.

How has wrestling helped your football technique?

Wrestling is, in my opinion, unrivaled as the best offseason training you can complete for an offensive or defensive linemen. From wrestling, I have improved greatly in hand fighting to achieve inside control of a defensive linemen, and I have also gained a much greater understanding of leverage and balance, both of which are key to finishing blocks. Beyond technique, wrestling has also helped me with conditioning and strength because simply the act of wrestling builds so much muscular strength in areas that you might not normally work in the weight room. I would absolutely recommend wrestling to any linemen, but I would also recommend it to any football player because it fosters a “wrestling toughness” that is extremely beneficial on the football field.

Who else on St. Viator should we be on the lookout for the rest of the season?

The following players have had a great season so far:

- Cooper Kmet (QB ‘25)

- Dayvion Ellis (WR, DB ‘25)

- Luca Cutinello (WR, OLB/DB ‘24)

- Driese Raap (WR, S ‘24)

- Jaylan Szlachetka (WR, DB ‘25)

- Phu Troung (FB, LB ‘24)

- Peter LaFleur (OL, DL ‘26)