Its not just size that makes the shortest starting quarterback in college football so amazing. Its also what he’s going to do next — return punts, too.
Ben Dupree of Susquehanna Township, a rising senior at The Citadel, is listed at 5-9 but plays much bigger on tape.
“Do I wish I was taller?” said Dupree.
“To be honest, yeah,” he answered, laughing
Dupree humored CBS 21 News Sports Director Jason Bristol by allowing Bristol to measure him.
Dupree is 5-8.
He’s obviously not your average quarterback. Dupree attempted just 45 passes last season in 11 games, completing 25 for 387 yards and 3 scores.
He mostly runs the football, instead. Dupree gained 896 yards (5.2 yards per carry) in 2012 with nine rushing touchdowns.
Dupree says he’ll return punts this fall, as well. That’s not something quarterbacks are allowed to do — for fear of injury.
That’s why he’s been working out at Gold’s Gym Linglestown between semesters under the supervision of trainer Ryan Mackes. “It’s just about training his body to take the beating during the season but he’s going to take,” said Mackes.
“Once I get my technique right I’m going to take it to the next level.” added Dupree.
Dupree’s ultimate goal is to play in the NFL. He knows it will be as a running back or kick returner, not as a quarterback.
His friends say Ben has the footwork to do it. “There aren’t too many people who can tackle him one-on-one,” said Tajh Turner, a former high school teammate who now plays at Bucknell.
So even though he’d like to be a little taller (around 6-0, according to Dupree), a lack of height doesn’t hinder the shortest starting quarterback in college football.
“I don’t look at it like,” he said. “I look at it as I’m the fastest starting quarterback in college football.”
And he’s working to become even faster.
In a game of inches, Ben Dupree wants to show everyone he’s the most unique quarterback in the country — by a mile.
Reported by: Jason Bristol
