Illinois Football: Interview with Benet Academy Rising Star LB John Weidenbach
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
John Widenbach made a name for himself during his freshman season in 2019 with Benet Academy and is already one of the top linebackers in Illinois. This tackle machine is working hard and is anxious to put an even bigger performance when his sophomore season kicks off in March 2021 with the Redwings.
With three more high school seasons remaining, the 6’1”, 220-pound, beast has goals to become the third member of his family to play college football as two of his older brothers started at the University of Dayton. The Class of 2023 recruit is already receiving from several colleges including Dartmouth and Texas Tech.
Weidenbach has tremendous strength, footwork, and athleticism which he uses to make tackles from sideline to sideline. He also has good awareness and plays with high intensity.
Not only is Weidenbach a force to be reckoned with on the gridiron but also in the weight room where he has a 285-pound bench press max, a 405-squat max, and a 240-power clean max.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with this young star linebacker to talk about his preparations for his sophomore season and get an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
John, what are your strengths on the football field?
My strengths include my awareness, my speed sideline to sideline, my play recognition, and my physicality.
What have you been working on the most during the offseason?
This offseason I have been working on developing my shoulders and hamstrings. I also have been working on getting faster overall.
What are your maxes in the weight room?
My maxes in the weight room include a 285-pound bench press, 405-pound squat, and 240-power clean.
What kind of defensive scheme does your school run?
We run a 4-3 defensive scheme.
How do your skills translate to this scheme?
My skills that translate to this scheme have to be my play recognition and my ability to move sideline to sideline.
How would you describe what kind of player you are?
I would describe myself as aggressive but smart who will do everything in his power to help his team win.
How would you describe what kind of teammate you are?
I would describe myself as a good teammate. I’m not the most vocal player, I usually keep to myself before games, but I’m always there to pick up my teammates when they’re down.
Is there a current NFL player that you try to model your game after?
I try to mirror my play after former Michigan Wolverine, Devin Bush. I loved watching him at Michigan and now watching him in the NFL. He is so smooth and fast.
What game on the schedule are you most looking forward to playing?
I am looking forward to all of them. We are on a revenge tour and we are out to prove the people who are doubting us wrong.
What are your goals for your sophomore season?
My goal this year and every year is a state championship.
What kind of tips and advice have you picked up from your brothers?
I have picked up many pieces of advice and tips from my brothers. All of them were great athletes. My brother Henry played a hybrid position and safety. My brother Charlie played linebacker and running back. Finally, my brother Joe played safety and wide receiver. Charlie played at the University of Dayton. Joe started at Denison University and then ended up playing at Dayton as well.
They have taught me many things especially how to be tough and to go after what you want in life. I wouldn’t be the player I am without them, my sisters, and my parents.
What do you like most about playing at Benet Academy?
The brotherhood and relationships that are formed with my teammates and coaches. These are the things that can never be broken because our bonds are so strong.
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
My favorite subject is history because I love learning about the world’s past and how great leaders lead great people.
Do you play any other sports in high school?
I also play baseball.
What is your GPA?
3.6.
Are you receiving interest from any schools?
So far, I am receiving interest and talking to Dartmouth and Texas Tech.
Do you have a favorite quote or Bible verse?
Philippians 4:13 is my favorite verse. I like this verse because it gives me hope that even when I’m down, God will always help lift me.
Thank you for your time today and good luck in your sophomore season.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Prep Redzone; Benet Academy LB John Weidenbach