92 DAYS TO KICKOFF: Matt Seiwert

#92 Matt Seiwert Redshirt Freshman 6-3 | 289 Conway Springs, Kan. Bio

Position: Defensive Line Previous College: None Projection: Second-String Status: On Scholarship

Matt Patrick Seiwert (b. Sept. 5, 1993) is an athletic defensive lineman who played linebacker in high school and will compete for playing time in the interior of the defensive line in 2014 after redshirting in 2013.

A defensive line prospect from the 2012 class who grayshirted that year and joined the team in time for spring practice in 2013, Seiwert is the brother of former K-State walk-on tight end Darrin Seiwert.

Matt started for the White defense in the 2013 spring game at defensive tackle, alongside fellow freshman Demonte Hood, and had one assisted tackle. He was listed tied for second at tackle in the fall depth chart, but never played.

Seiwert made The Topeka Capital-Journal's Top 11 and was also an all-class pick. He was a 2011 MaxPreps All-American, and a first-team All-Central Plains League pick on offense and defense.

Seiwert, who also was named co-defensive MVP for the Central Plains League, helped Conway Springs to win the 2011 Class 3A State championship with four assisted tackles, one for a loss, and a fumble recovery.

He led Conway Springs to a combined 38-4 record and two state titles in three seasons, and also earned all-league and all-state honors in basketball and javelin (187 feet).

Seiwert is a gifted athlete who projects well as a defensive tackle in several years, but at 289 pounds, he might need to do a little more eating this season to get closer to his target weight.

I correctly predicted that he would redshirt last season in spite of some predictions that he could contribute immediately, but his inclusion on the depth chart for most of the season indicates he could have played if needed.

That's an encouraging sign of progress not just for this year, but the next three years to come. I think he'll be great.