University of West Florida linebacker Ben Conken dies at age 20 after cancer fight

Ben Conken, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound linebacker from Cottage Hill Christian Academy in Mobile, Alabama, signed with the University of West Florida’s 2024 recruiting class but did not play in a collegiate contest. Shortly after enrolling, he was diagnosed with cancer and fought the disease while remaining engaged with the Argonauts, according to the school’s athletics office. His former high school coach, Carvel Jones, praised Conken’s intensity on the field and his uplifting demeanor during treatment.

The obituary noted that Conken also participated in basketball and baseball, recording 10 sacks, 85 tackles and five forced fumbles as a senior. Family statements described him as competitive yet sportsmanlike, driven by a mantra to act rather than observe, and expressed deep sorrow at his passing.