Offensive line is widely regarded as one of the most challenging positions in college football for a true freshman to secure a starting role.
Despite the historical difficulties, Ben Gula is entering his journey with confidence as he prepares to join the Colorado football team next month.
“I definitely believe that in my first year, I can make a significant contribution,” said Gula, who recently signed with CU. He is on track to graduate from Cypress Bay (Florida) High School and begin his enrollment at CU in January.
Since freshmen became eligible in 1972, only 16 have earned starting positions on the offensive line at CU. Among them, only three were centers, with the most recent being Van Wells in 2022 (six starts), Hank Zilinskas in 2023 (two starts), and Cash Cleveland in 2024 (four starts).
Gula aims to join this exclusive group, recognizing the vacancy left by this year’s graduating starting center, Zarian McGill. However, he acknowledges the fierce competition ahead in securing the starting role.
“Even if the starting position isn’t guaranteed for me, I still aim to support the players around me and elevate their performance,” he stated. “My goal is to enhance the overall team dynamic because, ultimately, I am a football player representing the University of Colorado, not just an individual.”
The 6-foot-5, 285-pound Gula boasts a four-year tenure as a starter at Cypress Bay, participating in 41 games overall while allowing only one sack in over 1,500 pass protection snaps. Although primarily positioned as a left tackle, Gula has demonstrated versatility across the offensive line, with CU projecting him to excel as a center.
“I’ve focused on refining my footwork, maintaining proper pad level, and honing every aspect of my game to prepare for this opportunity,” he explained. “I look forward to receiving top-notch coaching this spring and ensuring that I am both explosive and fully prepared for the challenge ahead.”
Formerly a basketball enthusiast during his formative years, Gula recognized the potential football held for his future during his freshman year of high school. His varsity debut in the second game of his freshman season marked the beginning of a remarkable journey.
“Coaches emphasized that if I added some muscle mass, I could truly dominate on the field,” he recalled. “Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to becoming the best player I can be.”
With over 250 pancake blocks to his name during his high school career, Gula radiates enthusiasm when discussing his love for the game as a lineman.
“It’s an incredible feeling. I thrive on it,” he expressed. “Achieving a 20- or 25-pancake game and completely overpowering my opponents is truly fulfilling. I’ve cherished every moment of it and look forward to continuing this journey against formidable competition.”
While Gula dominated lesser opponents in high school, he eagerly anticipates the challenge of facing his CU teammates during the upcoming spring season.
“I’m eager to test my skills against my peers,” he remarked. “There will be moments of defeat and triumph, but I am determined to approach each day with ferocity and determination. Embracing both success and failure is crucial to my growth as a player.”
Gula’s extensive study of the game has fueled his anticipation for further learning opportunities at CU.
“Football is a strategic sport, and successful blocking requires more than sheer strength,” he noted. “I’m thrilled to delve deeper into the technical aspects of the game and refine my skills.”
Among the 21 scholarship offers he received, Gula singled out CU for its inviting atmosphere and the exceptional coaching available in the offensive line room.
“If more young athletes recognized the immense potential that Colorado offers, especially in the offensive line department, I believe many would choose to commit here,” he observed. “The outstanding coaching staff and overall environment at CU truly set it apart from the rest. Given time, others will come to realize this as well.”
