2020 OT Ben Barten signs on the dotted line

Originally brought in as a jumbo athlete, most recruiting experts predicted Ben Barten would eventually start out as a defensive lineman. With a bevy of players leaving along the offensive line however, Barten is now expected to join the team along the offensive line. With his size and frame offensive tackle would seem like the most likely destination, but with two four-star tackles also joining in the same class, Barten may wind up inside at offensive guard.

Barten is a tremendous athlete, as he is also a standout basketball player at Stratford High School. In football he paved the way for two state championship appearances as a junior and senior on the offensive line, along with playing on the defensive line as well.

Barten has many of the major traits that Wisconsin has done well with for offensive lineman in the past with a tall, but lean frame with room for added weight. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him really blossom after a redshirt year to hit the weight room and add the necessary weight to compete in the Big Ten.

Rankings

• 247 Composite: 3-stars; grade: .8594; No. 838 player in the nation; No. 62 OT; No. 6 Wis.
• 247 Sports: 3-stars; grade: 87; No. 734 player in the nation; No. 58 OT; No. 10 Wis.
• Rivals: 3-stars; 5.5 rating
• ESPN: 3-stars; grade: 78; No. 60 OT; No. 51 Regional; No. 4 Wis.

Verbally committed on October 28, 2018

Committed to Wisconsin for over two years, Ben Barten was the fourth early commitment secured by the staff for 2020. He chose Wisconsin over another offer from rival Iowa.

Barten was offered a scholarship in September of 2018 by Wisconsin, and proceeded to commit at the end of the following month to stay home for the in-state Badgers. Taking an official visit in June of 2019, and attending a few home games this past fall, Barten has been one of the more active commits in attendance at Camp Randall.

Video highlights

Player bio (courtesy of UW Athletic Department)