Indiana University Athletics
Ben Chappell Profile
4/2/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 2, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - In addition to being one of the Midwest's premier high school quarterback prospects, Ben Chappell is among the top-ranked students in Bloomington South High School's Class of 2006. While Chappell and his classmates have already ventured into college-level academic work, the 6-3, 210-pound signal-caller is supplementing his scholarly pursuits by attending each of the Hoosiers' practices this spring.
While some high school football players graduate in December in an effort to enroll in college early and participate in spring drills, Chappell is getting the best of both worlds - the four-year football and basketball letterman can enjoy his senior year of high school and also prepare for the next step of his athletic and academic careers.
"It has worked out as well as I could have hoped," Chappell said. "We had a great finish to the basketball season, and I have had the chance to come over here and learn the offense. In fact, it may be even better than coming over here and throwing, because I can fully learn the offense before I ever throw a pass."
Chappell threw for 2,359 yards and 27 touchdowns as a senior at South, and he is a true student of the game.
"I see every rep (repetition), and I try and make the read myself," Chappell said. "I have a script (of plays), and I try to make my own read to see if I'm right or wrong."
Chappell's objective this spring is to combine the mental reps with proper physical conditioning.
"I took a week off from lifting after basketball season, so I am just getting back in the weight room," Chappell said. "I've also been throwing to some of my receivers (at South). I am just trying to get a football back in my hands right now."
Chappell has shown an impressive balance of academic and athletic talents, and he encourages future recruits to maintain a broad approach to the college selection process.
"Coach Hoeppner is one of the main reasons that I came here. The whole coaching staff is great and very personable," Chappell said. "Of course, the academics are great, too. It is so important to consider all facets of the school, because it is a huge decision that impacts your whole life."
