2024 Post-season interview with JV/Varsity QB Ben Stepp from Canal Fulton Northwest High School

 

Name: Ben Stepp 

School: Northwest High School 

Positions played: QB 

Class: 2026

When we last spoke, you were in the process of transferring from Green High School to Mogadore. That did not come to be. Could you tell everyone what happened and then how you came to be at your new school?

Last year, I was in a transferring process from leaving Green High School into a new environment where I was given a better chance to develop and become a better athlete. There were multiple schools that seemed like a fit, such as Mogadore, but Northwest High School stuck out to me through education and the best opportunity for me to play at the best of my abilities through the community and the coaches I've grown to know. 

What was it like transferring to a new school and playing football with them?

At first, transferring to a new school was difficult to really fit into a different way of practice, conditioning, and playing and really a completely different lifestyle in the football world. Everyday was a day of growth, and by the end of the season, transferring was the best decision I could have made. I’ve grown to love my teammates and really perform well in a new environment. 

During the season, what goals had you set for yourself, and did you achieve those goals?

My overall goal was to improve to set myself in a position to have a great variety/senior year next year. I feel like I achieved that and improved in every aspect of my game. 
  

What was the highlight of your season?
The highlight of my season was my first varsity snaps for Northwest at QB against Tuslaw High School. 

What was the most disappointing part of your season?

The most disappointing part of my season was the end; it came too. I've grown to love this team, and our playoff loss was hard, but we are all looking forward to next season to improve and get it back. 

On your Hudl page, you are listed as a QB and Free Safety? How much playing time did you get at each position?

I play 100% of my time at QB; at the beginning of the season I was a practicing free safety, but I started JV QB and played some varsity time at QB. 

What did you learn about yourself that you can use to become a better player in 2025?

I learned about myself that I have all the ability that I need; my issues are putting it all together over the season. I will work on speed, reads, throwing ability, etc. to become a more well-rounded player and lead my team and thrive. 

Looking at this off-season, what do you feel you need to improve on the most to be a better player at each position?

I feel that at QB, for my size, I am a good passer, but my speed is one of my downsides; speed and reading coverage will be my main focus, as well as gaining enough weight to make a difference in my game. 

Who was the best team that Northwest faced in 2024, along with the things that made them so good?

Streetsboro was the best team that we played this year in the second round of the playoffs. They were so difficult for us because of their size advantages at every position, elite o line, and their play style; 87% were run-focused teams, and our run defense lacked heading into the game. 

What was the biggest difference in playing at Green compared to playing at Northwest?

Development At Green High School, in my personal experience, it is not about devolving any type of backup players but 100 to 0 reps at practice and limited opportunity, while Northwest looks at everyone always attempting to improve their players and find someone who can be a shock to a coach and stand out and earn a varsity spot.

Which road stadium was the toughest to play at this season, along with the reasons that made it as tough as it was?

Orrville, the stadium was packed and very loud, with a lot of high energy from fans and players, which resulted in a shootout 46-45 win in overtime for the Northwest. 

What makes you a good teammate?

I am always trying to improve and bring others with me. I never let a teammate get down on themselves and attempt to motivate them to get better in practice in school and off the field. I feel I am a very positive leader, and even though I am not the leader of the team this year, I am still practicing to be able to fill that role. 

When do you start preparing for next season?

Personally, I have been preparing since Monday, after the season ended. I know I have a long way to go to be where I want to be, and I need the most time to prepare and become the QB I want to be before next season.

Who is your favorite athlete?

Baker Mayfield, Baker Mayfield was my favorite college football QB and is currently striving in the NFL. I always watch his film and play style and even mimic it in my game. I take inspiration from his passion and ability to play the game. 

Outside of sports, what are you doing for fun?

Lifting, I take the gym as work but also as fun and something I enjoy. My time has been limited with school and off-season work. 

What is a talent or skill that you have that would surprise others?

Being book smart, I feel like not most people would be able to tell my GPA and ability to also perform well in school.