2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ben Farrell, OL, Indiana Wesleyan University

• Name: Ben Farrell
• Position: OL
• College: Indiana Wesleyan University
• Height: 6’5″
• Weight: 300 lbs
• Twitter: @bigpapiben
• Instagram: @benn.farrell

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I grew up in a family surrounded by sports. As a middle schooler, I watched my older brother David play football on Friday nights, and I fell in love with the atmosphere of a football stadium. From then on, I knew that I wanted to play. Another reason I wanted to play is because of the connection and bond you create with the other players. My closest friends have been guys I have played alongside throughout my life.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

I think this last season is hard to beat as some of my favorite moments. We had a ton of big wins this past year, and it was some of the most fun I’ve ever had playing football. An example is when we played Marian University. We knew it was going to be a competitive game, and our offense had to perform to win this game. We did precisely that. Our offense clicked on all levels, and we won for the first time against Marian 41-7.

What sets you apart from other offensive linemen?

I believe that my attitude and work ethic sets me apart from others. I’m always looking for a way to get better personally and how to help my teammates alongside me get better as well.

What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

The type of energy I bring to the field I would call Focused Enthusiasm. Anyone who has played football knows that practice sucks if nobody wants to play or be there. I believe being enthusiastic, energetic, and focused can create an enjoyable playing culture. This type of energy also helps boost team morale when things aren’t going well.

If you could hang out with any football player, past or present, for a day, who and why?

I would probably choose Kirk Cousins or Kenny Willekes. They’re both men of faith, and I look up to them for keeping solid faith while playing professional football. They are both West Michigan born and raised like me. And a bonus is that they both played for the best D1 college football program Michigan State University.

What are your favorite things about playing football for Indiana Wesleyan?

My favorite thing about playing for Indiana Wesleyan is how the coaches push us to be the best person we can be in every aspect of our lives. Spiritually, physically, mentally, and socially are all aspects they push us in. The coaches don’t want us to be just good football players. They want us to be good people first.

What should we know about Ben Farrell, the person?

I’m a huge golf fan, and I love playing. I played Collegiate Golf before I transferred to Indiana Wesleyan to play football. With every bit of free time I have, I love to go golfing with my friends and family.

What is your favorite offensive scheme, and why?

My favorite offensive scheme is outside zone. I love being on the play side and being able to set the edge for the running back to cut up field. But I also love being on the backside and chasing down linebackers.

How do you handle challenges in life and on the football field?

Everything in life happens because God has a plan. Whenever something bad happens, I know that God knew that it would happen, and he wouldn’t give me something I couldn’t handle. I think to myself that I need to keep pushing through adversity and that I will get stronger and become a better person going through those tough times. If I mess up on a play, you must forget about it and move to the next. You can’t get caught up in the bad when there is plenty of good to come.

What would a team get in a player like you?

Any team that would pick me would get a determined player ready for growth. I’m mentally strong and will be prepared to accomplish any task given my way. Alongside that, I’m social and easy to get along with. I’m a dedicated worker ready to work in any way possible. It doesn’t matter the position.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I’m looking forward to getting on the field again and playing with my guys. Our season got cut short last year for dumb reasons, and we were confident in our ability. Most of the nation thinks our program is a joke, and we’re determined to show them differently.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with, and why?

A few guys come to mind. Xander Stokes (QB), Luke Watson (OL), Micah Visser (OL), and Isaac Abeo (DE) are all guys that are outstanding at what they do. As the offensive leader, Xander knows everything about the offense and is extremely talented. Luke and Micah are two of the strongest and best offensive linemen I’ve ever seen. And lastly is Isaac Abeo, he is the best past rusher I’ve ever gone against. He is exceptionally talented and will make some waves this year on the defensive side of the ball.