Senior Bowl 2020 Interview – OL Ben Bartch (St. John’s [MN])

Senior Bowl 2020 Interview – Ben Bartch – OL (St. John’s [MN])

1/22/20

Measurables:

Hgt:  6’ 5¾”    

Wgt:  308 lbs.

Hand:  9 ⅛”    

Arm:  33”        

Wing:  80 ⅛“

PROFILE:  A D3football.com first-team and Associated Press second-team All-American (Div. III) in 2019, Bartch earned the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Mike Stam Award as the conference’s top defensive or offensive lineman and started all 14 games at left tackle this season. Bartch played tight end his first two seasons as a Johnnie and caught four passes for 43 yards and a touchdown in eight games in 2017. He switched to offensive tackle during the 2018 pre-season and started on the left side immediately. He made 27 straight starts at the position since he switched from tight end.

After the conclusion of this past season, Bartch was selected as a member of the Allstate American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team, which was established in 1992 to recognize a select group of college football players who have made a commitment to service and enriching the lives of others. This year, the 22-man team is comprised of student-athletes across all divisions of college football, including four from Division III.

On what it means to him to be invited to the Senior Bowl and when he knew that this might be an opportunity for him

Steve, it’s awesome! It’s a great honor. It’s a great opportunity. I mean, in my mind I always kinda expected to be great and be invited to a good Senior Bowl or a good all-star game. I got the invitation mid to late-season.

On what he hopes to showcase to scouts this week

My drive, my work ethic and my ability.

On what it has been like for him to be going through this intense process of trying to prove that he is ready to move on to the highest level

It’s humbling. It’s definitely a testament of what I’ve worked hard to do. That’s kinda my mindset. But it’s definitely humbling and I understand how big of an opportunity it is – not to squander it – not to waste it.

On what he feels his best position is along the offensive line

Offensive tackle. I feel like I’m very athletic. I’m capable.

On what he feels he’ll need to do to prepare to respond to the big jump in the level of pass rushers that he’ll face in the NFL over what he saw in college

Obviously, you have to play fast, play hard. I’ll tell you, off the field, you have to watch film. You have to prepare accordingly in that sense. Playing without preparation is pretty much useless. Just watch film of your guys and study their different moves.

On whether there are any particular NFL offensive linemen that he studies and tries to learn from

Yeah. I like a lot! I like guys like Tyron Smith, Taylor Lewan, obviously old Whitworth, Ronnie Stanley, Armstead. There’s a ton of good players out there.