Ben Ebeke might be a quick study, or maybe he’s just smart. Whatever the reason, he’s picked up the complexities of football faster than most.
The W.T. White senior didn’t start playing until middle school. A few years later, he was a 1,000-yard running back as a sophomore.
After duplicating that feat a year ago, Ebeke is now focused on leading the Longhorns to another playoff appearance and becoming one of the top rushers in school history.
“I don’t feel the extra attention,” Ebeke said. “All I focus on is giving my all on the field and getting wins. I’m not worried about what other teams are going to do against me.”
Much has changed for Ebeke in the eight years since he relocated to Dallas with his family from the central African nation of Cameroon, where he was born.
Neighborhood Spotlight
Preston Hollow
He was a basketball and soccer player back then, and was taller than most of his classmates. Now he’s left those other sports behind to focus full-time on football, in which he’s gained interest from college programs in the Ivy League and elsewhere.
At 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, he’s no longer considered tall. He’s now proficient in English in addition to his native French. And his father has overcome his initial apprehension about football to become Ebeke’s biggest fan.
“He’s an all-purpose back on the field, but also an all-purpose human being,” said new WTW head coach Bryson Lewis. His personality and energy are infectious. He’s making his family proud daily.”
Ebeke started playing football at the request of a friend in seventh grade, as a receiver for the first season. By his freshman year at WTW, he also competed in soccer, basketball, wrestling, track and field, and cross country.
“I didn’t know what was going on. I was just out there running around and getting cardio,” Ebeke said. “During freshman year, (football) became more fun than basketball.”
As a sophomore, he earned a varsity spot and made an immediate impression, leading the Longhorns in rushing and scoring 13 touchdowns.
“The varsity players showed me love. By doing that, I was motivated to play for them,” Ebeke said. “When I was a sophomore, I was just there to try and help however I can. Now that I’m a senior, I push myself harder and push the team harder.”
That team-first attitude fuels the optimism of Lewis, who takes over at WTW this season after previously serving as the defensive coordinator at Richardson Berkner.
“Ben is a workhorse,” Lewis said. “We want to play fast and pick up the tempo. He shouldn’t have to have 30 carries a game to get what he needs. We’re going to get him the ball in space.”
The Longhorns have five consecutive playoff appearances — the most in school history — but are still seeking their first postseason victory since 2000.
Reversing that trend will be largely dependent on Ebeke and quarterback Andrew Paredez, a three-year starter who passed for almost 2,500 yards and 24 touchdowns as a junior.
“He’s your ultimate leader,” Lewis said. “He’s an athlete who doesn’t have to sit in the pocket and can be more creative with his feet. He has a great arm.”
Also returning is lanky receiver Lovell Neal, who led the team in touchdown receptions. WTW could be thin and inexperienced in the trenches, however.
Leading an athletic and aggressive defense is versatile safety Jermarious Jones, who paced the Longhorns with 103 tackles. Prosper Moore and Cayden Skipper are also back.
“He’s a super athlete, and he’s going to help us,” Lewis said of Jones. “We’re going to be fast on defense.”
