Dan McDonald
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Benji Hebert admits that nothing else in his life has helped get him ready for football as much as his wrestling background.
The Teurlings Catholic standout won multiple state age-group wrestling titles, and grabbed his top honor as a Rebel junior last winter when he claimed the State Class 3A heavyweight crown.
But he would quickly trade a state wrestling title for a football crown, and that’s his primary goal as he enters his senior season in a pivotal role for the Rebels.
“Football would definitely mean a lot more right now, “said Hebert, who began wrestling at age four and didn’t start football until several years later. “Our goal is always to win a state championship.”
If the Rebels are in contention for that 3A title, Hebert will probably have a lot to do with that success. For the first time, he’ll be a two-way threat.
The 6-foot-2, 240-pounder returns on Teurlings’ defensive line, one of only two starters back on that side of the football, and figures to again be one of the dominant defensive forces in District 6-3A.
But this year, along with passing licks on opposing ball carriers, he’ll try to punish defenders in a regular position as the Rebels’ fullback.
“I’ve been playing defense since my sophomore year, “Hebert said, “but I really like holding onto the ball. I want to show people that I can play offense, too.”
“I wouldn’t want to have to tackle him, “said Teurlings coach Sonny Charpentier. “He’s a big kid that runs better than you think, and he’s very athletic with good body control from all his years of wrestling.”
Returning TCHS fullback Logan Guilbeaux, now moved to inside linebacker to help shore up that inexperienced unit, was an established part of the multiple and high-octane 2004 Rebel offense. Hebert hopes he can continue that trend, and make his first-ever trip across the goal line.
“Logan had probably eight or 10 touchdowns last year, “Hebert said. “I’m looking forward to that. I’ve been getting the ball a lot in practice. It’s probably a little harder working on both sides of the ball, but it’s something that the coaches needed me to do.”
Learning the ropes at fullback hasn’t always been easy, even for a guy who will be one of the biggest and most athletic fullbacks in the area.
“Right now I’m just learning all the plays, “he said. “I’m just trying to stay low, learn all the techniques and soak up everything.”
He’ll still be a regular in the defensive front, a place where he can put his many years of wrestling experience to use.
“Wrestling’s a great sport, “he said. “It helps you with your balance, your overall strength, how to position your body. Some of the attacks you use there are similar to things you do in football, kind of like sumo wrestling. When you first start, you want to push your guy around the mat and control him, just like in football.”
And Hebert has no problems contrasting the individuality of wrestling with the team aspects of football.
“In wrestling, if you win your match you help your team with points, so it’s really not that different, “he said. “You focus on winning the match with the guy in front of you, and if you do that it helps your team.”
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