2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ben Farrar, OG, Findlay

• Name: Ben Farrar
• Height: 6’5”
• Weight: 320 lbs.
• Position: OG
• College: University of Findlay
• Twitter: BenFarrar56
• Instagram: bfarrar53

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I’ve had a lot of academic success at Findlay, receiving my Bachelor’s in Strength & Conditioning and Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology, and having a 3.9 GPA. Right now, I am working towards obtaining my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. This summer, I have been doing clinical rotations at the University of Toledo Medical Center 4 days a week.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My selflessness. They know that I will do whatever it takes to put our team in the best position to win. The opinions of my teammates are reflected in voting me as a team captain. I’m not only one of the older seniors, I am also one of the biggest leaders.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
My role has mainly been at guard on the offensive line. I have mostly started at LG although I have had some starts at RG and a few snaps at tackle. I see myself as a strong, physical player that loves getting in people’s faces. I’m a tough interior lineman.

We have a versatile offense. We use our run game to lead into the pass game. We’re fairly balanced. We use both zone and gap schemes. I’m used to fitting up double teams as well as being a pulling guard, getting to the second level and blocking people in space.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
The player that comes to mind is Nate Chambers from Hillsdale. He’s a solid player. We’ve had some good battles.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Mike Jerrell is a great player that is very underrated. He’s put in a lot of work and is expected to have a great season. The rest of the team captains include Ervin Besingi, Kijana Caldwell and Derrick Lynch, all of which impress me. Ervin is the best pass rusher on our team. Kijana is a jack of all trades, playing both defense and offense. Derrick is a fast and twitchy RB who’s hard to tackle. Tanner Schroeder is a young WR who’s willing to do anything. He has stood out lately and is expected to shine this season.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
My sophomore season, I just finished having a great Spring. Coming into fall camp, I was set to be the starter. On the third day of camp, I had a rare injury and tore the PCL in my knee. Luckily, I didn’t need surgery and went with a conservative approach to treatment. After 5 weeks, I was healthy and ready to play again. Although, I had lost my starting job at RT. It was hard to watch my teammates play from the sideline. I was reassigned to be the backup RG. I kept plugging away and continued to focus on getting better every day, waiting for my turn. I eventually came back and started the last few games of 2019 at RG. Building on that over the offseason and into the Covid year, I had my best season in 2021.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I never threw in track & field, but I know that I have the ability to do well if I had tried. I played one season of baseball in high school. Yet, I had most of my success those years in football and wrestling. I was named 3-time all-district with over 50 wins at heavyweight as a senior. Wrestling was a major factor in shaping me into the player and person I am today, having the grit, determination and will to win, and going one-on-one in the circle.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m most proud of winning our conference championship this past season, and can’t wait to do it again. I am a 2-time First Team All-GMAC player.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
One of my favorite plays was during the GMAC Championship last season against Tiffin. We were in the 4th quarter, holding onto a lead and just needed a 1st down to seal the game. It was 3rd down with 4 yards to the first down marker. We ran a counter play and picked up their blitz. Our RB Brian Benson sprints down the field for 32 yards. Taking a few kneel downs we were able to finish the game with a victory.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I’ve been a Browns and Buckeye fan growing up outside of Columbus, OH. Joe Thomas is definitely one of my favorite all-time players. He was so dependable and played at a high level for so long. Nowadays, Quenton Nelson is a very fun player to watch. He’s a true mauler that dominates the line of scrimmage.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Before games, I’ll listen to whatever gets put on in the locker room, yet for the most part I try to stay low key and not get so hyped up. When I’m hanging out at home, just chilling beside the pool, I usually listen to country music like Luke Combs or Eric Church.

What is your favorite comfort food?
My Mom’s cooking. My favorite side dish is definitely sweet potato casserole with pecans and brown sugar on top.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
Top Gun Maverick was a great movie. I also enjoy watching the Marvel movies. One of my favorite TV shows is Friday Night Lights.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my free time, I just enjoy spending time with my family. I’m engaged to be married next year to my fiancée and spend as much time with her as I can.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
My Dad used to coach high school football, and we spent time going to a lot of games. Football has been a staple in my life. I’ve been playing since I was 10 years old. I enjoy everything about football: eleven people working as one, being part of a team, building lasting relationships and learning life lessons. Football has taught me the meaning of hard work, discipline and perseverance.