On May 8, Cooper Benke (11) publicly committed to Ball State University to continue his academic and athletic career in football.
Benke had offers from Middle Tennessee University, Eastern Kentucky University, Westpoint University, The United States Army, United States Air Force and The United States Navy. But in the end, Benke thought Ball State would provide him with the best opportunities.
Bob Sphire, head football coach, believed that Benke (11) had the potential to play Division 1 football.
“I saw potential after his first freshman year to see the way he was developing in the weight room and the quality of weight he was starting to put on and to see him growing,” Sphire said.
Benke (11) chose Ball State because he believed they cared about him. Many are curious why out of all the schools he could have chosen, he chose Ball State. Ball State is a wonderful school but there is more potential in other places
“I chose Ball State because it seemed like the coaches really cared about me and they put the most interest into me,” Benke (11) said.
According to Maxpreps, during his time playing Varsity, Benke had 21 solo tackles, 43 total tackles and 22 assisted tackles. He also won the 2025 player of the year.
Benke (11) has made big improvements throughout the years of him participating in football with his sophomore year resulting in only two solo tackles, to him having 21 this year. These improvements come from him being in the weight room.
“I have seen a lot of improvement with him, whether it be him throwing up more weight or him going as hard as he can on the field,” Sphire said.
Being a great player is awesome but players also have to be a wonderful teammate and Benke shows that every time he walks on and off the field. There is an energy he brings to the field that gets all the players fired up.
“Cooper is a great player but he also brings an energy that he and his brother Griffin bring that fires every one up,” Sphire said.
Griffin Benke (11) and Cooper Benke (11) are twin brothers. Both brothers have Division 1 offers from similar universities with similar goals to whatever school they go to. These similar offers could mean that they go to the same university.
“I have been thinking about college and where I want to go but nothing solidifies right now,” Griffin Benke (11) said.
Benke (11) is still a junior and he still has his whole senior year to become better whether it be in the weight room or on the field. Overall, it is exciting to see someone have this opportunity as only a junior.
