It was awesome to watch Kaben work in the trenches live. We were already a big fan of what he has put out on tape, but this first look was even better than what he was last fall. Kaben checked in at 6’3″ 235 lbs, ran a 4.87 40, 4.57 shuttle, and jumped 8’8″ in the broad jump. All great numbers for a DE/edge defender. As good as those numbers are it was nothing compared to when the pads went on. Kaben dominated in pads. The long and lean DE has a first step that launches him out of his stance. From there we saw him best trait. His ability to transition that initial speed into power. Power that allowed him to literally run OL backwards. Between the length, leverage, and that power Kaben proved to be a nightmare matchup for his group. I am expecting a big senior season from the Whitefish Bay standout after putting up 13 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, and 15+ pressures in 2025. Ziegler currently holds six offers.

Stats: 5 Tackles, 1 TFL, 1 Sack

Kaben is a kid on the rise. He is becoming a legitimate force at DE for Whitefish Bay and checking a lot of boxes that you look for at the next level. A frame that is rapidly filling out with power to dominate on the edge. It is so impressive watching him take on blocks with his powerful lower body and hold his ground while his hands shed blocks. The athleticism and range that Kaben has is far from what you would expect for a kid his size. Several times he is out in space chasing down RBs or QBs and also showing that he can make tackles even when they are trying to make him miss. The big man is powerful, agile, and just starting to tap into his full potential.

Rankings Rise: 70 -> 39

Kaben is a talented IOL. His sophomore highlights show good size with plenty of room to continue to pack onto his 250 lbs frame. Ziegler does a great job with his leverage, quick feet, and hand placement so that he can be in position to overpower IDL. You see several times in his film where he is able to create a big surge against large DL because of his technique. When the sophomore pulls and gets to run out in space he looks as comfortable as the RB he is leading downfield. The 6’3″ 250 lbs lineman is a naturally gifted athlete. Kaben has made strides since last offseason, but has so much more room to continue to improve. I’m intrigued about his future development as he continues to get bigger and stronger. He could be in line to be a breakout athlete this year.