The many roles of Libertyville defensive end Ben Kimpler

SHARE The many roles of Libertyville defensive end Ben Kimpler
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LAKE FOREST — Libertyville football coach Mike Jones was watching video of defensive end Ben Kimpler last weekend when something caught his eye.

“There was a play in Friday night’s game against Lake Forest where one of the Scouts’ defensive tackles cut-blocked Ben to the ground, but Ben got back up off the ground and wound up blocking their quarterback’s pass,” Jones said.

Though the Wildcats (3-2, 1-2 NSC Lake) lost that game 29-20, Jones watched the play several times in near disbelief.

“It was just a heck of a play — one that kind of exemplifies what type of an athlete he is,” Jones said. “When it’s game time, you never have to worry about Ben being ready to play. He’s all heart, all effort. A true competitor who gets better each week.”

Kimpler, a 6-foot-6, 200-pound junior, also happens to be a three-sport varsity athlete. As a sophomore pitcher for the varsity baseball team this spring, his fastball was clocked at 88 mph. On the basketball court, he’s a power forward who has no problem throwing down a slam dunk.

Ask him which sport is his favorite, and he pauses for a moment.

“I’m the kind of guy who always has to be doing something,” Kimpler said. “I actually thought about dropping a sport this year, but I’m not sure I can do that. I’d love to play either football or baseball in college. And I enjoy hoops a lot, too.”

College sports appear to be in Kimpler’s future. Indiana has sent several letters showing interest in his football skills. He’s also received letters and emails from Washington, Michigan St., Illinois St., Central Florida, Kentucky, Memphis and others who want a closer look at the right-hander’s pitching prowess.

Though he doesn’t keep track, Kimpler said he thinks he has “at least seven or eight sacks” this season as the Wildcats pursue a playoff berth in the rugged NSC Lake. He typically lines up on the strong side of the defensive line, while teammate Jordan McInerney (6-5, 210) starts at the opposite defensive end position.

Kimpler also handles Libertyville’s punting duties.

“[Ben] is just a natural athlete, it’s in his genes,” McInerney said in a direct message on Twitter. “He can adapt quickly to situations. He’s a quick learner. He gets things on the first try.”

Kimpler was a linebacker as a sophomore, but Jones moved him to defensive end once he moved up to varsity.

“It just seemed like such a natural position for him,” Jones said. “With his height, wingspan and athletic ability, I felt like it would be a great fit putting him on our line.”

Having a pair of linemen that big and tall has helped the Wildcats wreak havoc on opposing offenses at times. Libertyville allowed just 98 total yards in 35 plays during the first half against Lake Forest Friday. The Wildcats have also blocked several punts during the first five weeks of the season.

“The key for our [defensive] line getting penetration is the speed we come off the ball,” McInerney said. “When we see a flinch, we are off. Our coach actually has specific guys for the inside because they have the speed to penetrate before the O-line knows what hit them.”

One of those interior linemen is junior defensive tackle Ryan Moran (6-0, 200), who said Kimpler is succeeding at more than being an athlete.

“Ben Kimpler is a great person on and off the field,” Moran said.

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