Griffin Benke Griffin Benke 6'6" | 225 lbs | EDGE/TE Highlands | 2027 State KY is a player who truly started to make a name for himself this past season. As a junior, he proved to be a very effective pass rusher off the edge. Benke does a great job of fighting with his hands to get extended on opposing offensive linemen then using his strength to fight straight through them on his way to the quarterback. He has shown the ability to finish at the quarterback, recording seven sacks in 12 games this past season. Griffin also accounted for 39 tackles and 17 tackles for loss as a junior. Benke currently holds several Division I offers, including a Power 4 offer from Michigan State, and I expect more to come his way this offseason.

Much like Cooper, Griffin Benke Griffin Benke 6'6" | 225 lbs | EDGE/TE Highlands | 2027 State KY had an expanded role in the Highlands defense this season and he was very impressive. He showed the ability to assert his dominance off the edge as a pass rusher, using his strength and length to gain good extension against opposing offensive tackles then shed blocks quickly on his way to the quarterback. Benke did a great job of finishing at the quarterback once he got there, finishing his junior year with seven sacks and several quarterback pressures in 12 games. He also showed the ability to stop the run, finishing the season with 39 tackles and 17 tackles for loss. Griffin currently holds offers from Eastern Kentucky and Middle Tennessee State, and I expect more to come his way moving forward.

Right behind Cooper in our rankings is his brother, Griffin Benke Griffin Benke 6'6" | 225 lbs | EDGE/TE Highlands | 2027 State KY . Benke does a great job of defending the run, showing the ability to use his strength to fight through blocks with ease then use his speed to get to the ball carrier in a hurry to make the tackle in the open field. He is also very reliable as a pass rusher, showing the speed to blow by opposing offensive tackles off the edge along with the strength to bull rush straight through them on his way to the quarterback. Griffin currently holds an offer from Middle Tennessee State and I expect more to come his way as he continues to develop.

Griffin Benke Griffin Benke 6'6" | 225 lbs | EDGE/TE Highlands | 2027 State KY is a defensive lineman who caught our attention with some impressive freshman year film. Benke is a long, athletic defensive end who is very impressive off the edge as a pass rusher. He is able to use his speed to his advantage to blow by opposing offensive tackles with ease on his way to the quarterback. Benke has also shown the ability to run sideline to sideline to make tackles in the open field against the run. Griffin doesn’t currently hold any offers but he has received some college interest and should be a player to keep an eye on as he continues to develop.

Griffin Benke Griffin Benke 6'6" | 225 lbs | EDGE/TE Highlands | 2027 State KY is another defensive lineman who caught my attention when evaluating freshman year film. Benke lines up at defensive end where he is a dangerous pass rusher. He explodes out of his stance and has shown the speed to blow by opposing offensive tackles to get to the quarterback. Benke is also reliable against the run, showing the ability to read the play and get to the ball carrier in a hurry to make the tackle in the open field. Griffin doesn’t currently hold any offers but he is a player to keep an eye on as he continues to develop.