2021 OT JP Benzschawel signs with Wisconsin

Grafton High School prospect JP Benzschawel is following in his family’s footsteps and signing with the Wisconsin Badgers.

Benzschawel’s brother Beau played offensive lineman for Wisconsin from 2015-18 and his brother Luke played tight end from 2016-19. His father Scott also played for Wisconsin from 1983-87, as well as his uncle Eric, from 1988-92.

Benzschawel also recently brought home some hardware, when he won the Joe Thomas Award, which is given to the top senior offensive lineman in the state.

The top OT in the state is tall with good length and moved around the football field naturally, with great footwork, which could be tied to his basketball background.

He does a great job of finishing his blocks, but has not seen a lot of FBS recruits in high school, so his development once he gets to Madison will be one to watch. That being said, Benzschawel should factor in the Wisconsin starting offensive line and has the tools to play on Sundays if he keeps developing.

Rankings

247 Composite: 4 stars; grade: .9399; No. 129 player in the nation; No. 16 OT; No. 1 WI

247 Sports: 4 stars; grade: 93; No. 110 player in the nation; No. 17 OT; No. 1 WI

Rivals: 4 stars; 5.8 rating; No. 17 OT; No. 1 WI

ESPN: 4 stars; Grade: 83; No. 21 OT; No. 17 Regional; No. 1 WI

Verbally Committed on February 1, 2019

Benzschawel, one of the top ranked offensive tackles in the country, was only pursued by one school...Wisconsin. Benzschawel was the earliest verbal commit for the 2021 class and set the groundwork for an excellent offensive line class.

Video highlights

Player bio (courtesy of UW Athletic Department)

• Four-star recruit by 247 Sports, ESPN and Rivals
• Won Joe Thomas Award as the outstanding senior offensive lineman in Wisconsin
• First-team all-state by Associated Press as a senior
• Named to Wisconsin Football Coaches Association All-Region team as a junior and senior
• Brothers Beau and Luke, as well as father Scott and uncle Eric all played football at Wisconsin