Ben Ratzlaff

Wide Receiver / Houston Baptist

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Ben Ratzlaff:  6’2, 185 and no forty time since high school.

Alex Khvatov:  How are you currently preparing for the 2020 season with no offseason training?

Ben Ratzlaff:  We had most of our spring practice before the school closed down.  I have been staying proactive.  With all of the gyms closed, I have been working out with trainers and local QB’s.  I have been finding ways.    

Alex Khvatov:  Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

Ben Ratzlaff:  I did basketball and track and field.  My dad played college basketball.  Growing up, that was the path I wanted to follow.    

Alex Khvatov:  What positions did you play in high school? 

Ben Ratzlaff:  Kick returner, punt returner, a little bit of FS and WR.   

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Ben Ratzlaff:  In high school, I didn’t have a lot of schools.  I didn’t have anything on the table up until signing day.  I was blessed to receive an offer from the University of San Diego.  I was a walk-on.  I spent the fall of 2016 there.  It was a great experience.  I wouldn’t change it, but it was too expensive for my family.  I took a chance on myself and went to JUCO. 

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up at JUCO? 

Ben Ratzlaff:  I went to Golden West College in Huntington Beach, CA.  We had phenomenal coaches and players.  It was great competition across the board.  I got an offer.   

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you transfer to Houston Baptist? 

Ben Ratzlaff:  I graduated in December of 2018.  I had some small D-II schools, nothing too serious.  HBU reached out to me at the end of January and offered me a scholarship.  I got out there before spring practice.  

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about your junior campaign.        

Ben Ratzlaff:  I surprised a lot of people this year.  I wanted to get on the field right away.  I was lucky enough to have that connection with QB Bailey Zappe.  I had a lot of help from my teammates.  There was a lot of hard work and sacrifice. 

Alex Khvatov:  What can we expect from Houston Baptist this upcoming season? 

Ben Ratzlaff:  More points, more wins and a lot of big plays.  We can win the conference.  We have our core pieces back from last year.  We have a lot of playmakers.   

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Ben Ratzlaff:  My hands and route running.  My routes set me a part from other receivers.  It doesn’t matter who lines up against me, I can get open.  I make contested catches with regularity.  I can make tough catches in traffic, even when I am not open.    

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Ben Ratzlaff:  Working on my speed and my routes.  I am working with a speed trainer.  He has helped me improve and add to my game.  I am looking to become more of a deep threat. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Ben Ratzlaff:  The South Dakota game this past year.  No one gave us a chance.  Everyone thought that we would get killed.  We won the game and put up a lot of points.  QB Bailey Zappe threw three TD’s to me and I added a two-point conversion for the win.  It was a reverse trick play and I threw it for the go-ahead conversion.    

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team? 

Ben Ratzlaff:  I am from San Diego.  The Chargers.  They are my hometown team.   

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Ben Ratzlaff:  I have two.  I like Keenan Allen.  I have watched him since his rookie year.  My game is similar to his as far as routes, hands and competitiveness.  Michael Thomas as well.  He has great hands, and great competitiveness.   

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?

Ben Ratzlaff:  On offense, QB Bailey Zappe, RB Dreshawn Minnieweather.  Dreshawn got hurt last year.  Jerreth Sterns is another receiver.  On defense, LB Caleb Johnson is one of the best in the nation.  LB Brennan Young.   

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Ben Ratzlaff:  I faced two guys in high school.  DB Terrell Burgess from Utah, who was drafted by the Rams.  He was the best DB.  Corner Justin Ford.  I played against him at a junior college.  He was at Louisville this past season.    

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a WR?

Ben Ratzlaff:  Hands.  You have to catch the ball in tough situations.      

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Ben Ratzlaff:  I love to compete and being surrounded by teammates.   

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Ben Ratzlaff:  I love to hang out with my friends and listen to music.  Lift and play football.    

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Ben Ratzlaff:  I am getting my degree in marketing.  I want to pursue a career in that.   

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Ben Ratzlaff:  Leader, competitor, honest, reliable, and winner.    
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