The Jump: 14 Spots

This TE Class is the best I have seen while covering WI HS football. We have almost double digit athletes from the group committed to FBS programs. One of those athletes, and the one who has made the biggest jump in this update is Ben Verges Ben Verges 6'4" | 240 lbs | TE Franklin | 2025 State WI .

The 6’4″ 240 lbs TE is exactly what you look for in a mismatch to target in the passing game. Despite the huge frame, Ben is able to quickly release off the line, eats up cushion, adjusts to the ball while it is in flight, and finds ways to contort himself to be able to bring the ball in. That type of body awareness and control at his age is hard to find. So is his ball skills. Verges is great at high pointing the ball and showing strong hands to hang on through contact. His size, strength, athleticism, and hands are going to give Coastal Carolina a huge advantage at TE as he develops.

With so many big, athletic, and strong TEs to choose from the mismatch category became the toughest to choose. In the end we had to go with Ben. Verges runs like a WR when he is in space and attacking downfield or up the seam. He also has the leaping ability, hand-eye coordination and strong hands to be able to go and get the ball. The way he can run routes also opens up plenty of separation, and after the catch he has the speed and some elusiveness to get away from DBs and won’t hesitate to lower the shoulder. The Coastal Carolina commit is a nightmare matchup for DBs/LBs.

We came into the season with hopes/expectations of Ben getting more involved in the passing game and that is what he has done. Through 5 games, the senior TE has already beat last year’s numbers in receptions, yards, and TDs. Plus his yds/rec has taken a huge leap from 13.4 to 23.3 yards/rec. The midseason highlights show a massive target who has special body control at that size to be able to elevate for the ball, make the circus catch along the sideline, or hold on through contact. After the catch, the massive target is a smooth athlete that can make DBs miss one on one. He is able to get up to speed so effortlessly and can cover ground with high end speed for the position. Ben also retains that well rounded TE skill set because he is a devastating run blocker who can run over DL when he pulls across the formation and you can count on him to handle edge defenders one on one. The standout TE is looking even bigger and better than last year.

Last season we saw Franklin take on Catholic Memorial at Waukesha South High School and come away with what many called an upset in the 31-24 victory. Verges led the way in receptions that day, going 5 receptions, 56 yards, and a TD. Franklin’s offense will need that and more this time around as they look to involve a new wave of receivers.

Ben has the talent to do that in this year’s showdown with Catholic Memorial. He is coming back 15-20 lbs heavier, which will only make him more of a force after the catch. The standout TE brings a massive catch radius thanks to excellent hands that can make every type of catch. His speed with that size is going to give the CM LBs and DBs plenty of trouble. We know the connection between Verges and QB Kallay is well established. Look for both of them to come out of the gate hot.

Don’t be surprised when Ben has a breakout statistical season this fall. Ben has put together a great offseason. He has put on good size without costing himself any athleticism on the field. That extra size is going to make him even more impactful in the run game where he proved to be a bonus OL with his powerful leg drive to dig DE/OLBs out of the trenches, helping to create a positive surge. The reason we could see the statistical breakout is because of his receiving skill set. He does a great job of finding the ball and adjusting to it when it is outside his frame. The big man has quick, soft hands that can snag the ball last second and still hang onto it through tackles. Franklin returns their impressive QB from last fall, so the rapport is there. I’m excited to see who joins NDSU and Northern Iowa in pursuit of his talents if he enters the season uncommitted.

Another top TE prospect in this loaded group is another athlete with a great frame, and he seems to still be growing and packing on the size. Ben is now up to 6’4″ and 240 lbs. That is up from his roughly 220 lbs last fall. At 220 lbs Ben shined as a receiver in his limited reps. He showed explosive leaping ability and a rare amount of body control to be able to contort himself last second to adjust to the ball. His ability to track the ball is special and his hands have the strength to hold onto the ball while taking hard hits after the catch. The big man has the speed to stretch the seam, and even at 220 lbs you could count on him to handle a DE in the run game. I’m pumped to see him at 240 lbs this summer/fall. Check out the junior film.