Bishop Watterson will look to bounce back to the state championships in Ohio. The Eagles locked down opponents all season, including holding opponents scoreless four times and never giving up more than 15 points in a game. A key returning starter who helped make it happen is Ben Uhlenhake, a 6-foot-0, 215-pound linebacker who is committed to Ohio. He is a very hard hitter and excellent blitzer who can shoot through gaps, takes great angles to the QB, and can deliver heavy hits. I love his abilities v. the run where he is a sound tackler with great instincts and a nose for the ball. He finished last year with 152 total tackles.

Ben was someone who impressed in person last season for me, but has taken a step up for the reigning D3 state champions. He is a linebacker who can cover a lot of the middle of the field. He seemed to advance as an athlete, and has kept the same field vision that stood out to me last season. He’s able to crash downhill and thump runners. Ben is a total package at linebacker and will look to make another strong impression on people during playoff time.

Ben was someone who impressed in Canton vs Toledo Central Catholic. He has good vision and can sniff out plays, which was impressive from the young sophomore. Going into junior season, I want to see Ben take after his brother and become a leader for the defense.

Uhlenhake was a prospect I was intrigued by a lot coming into state championship weekend. He had a crucial interception for the Watterson defense in the middle of the second quarter. Ben showed great anticipation on runs coming through his gaps and offered some pop to his hits. Expect to hear more from Ben over the next two seasons as he looks to improve his status as one of the best young middle linebacker prospects in central Ohio.