clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

65 DAYS TO KICKOFF: Matt Kleinsorge

In which BracketCat counts down the 65th day until kickoff with a profile of offensive lineman Matt Kleinsorge.

By BracketCat
Matt Kleinsorge not only won and held onto the starting right tackle position in impressive fashion last season, but he also played a majority of the games with a cast on his left hand.
Matt Kleinsorge not only won and held onto the starting right tackle position in impressive fashion last season, but he also played a majority of the games with a cast on his left hand.
Brett Deering/Getty Images
MattKleinsorge

#65 Matt Kleinsorge
Redshirt Senior
6-5 | 306
Olathe, Kan.

Bio

Position: Offensive Line

Previous College: None

Projection: Starter

Status: On Scholarship

Matthew Alan Kleinsorge (b. Sept. 3, 1992) broke through as a full-time starter in 2014 and will look to retain his starting spot as a senior. Formerly a preferred walk-on, he received a full scholarship prior to the 2013 season.

As I predicted at this time last year, because neither A.J. Allen nor Luke Hayes panned out as a right tackle, Kleinsorge was forced to step into that role. (Hayes at least turned into the full-time starter at right guard, though).

Kleinsorge redshirted in 2011 and, in 2012, he saw mop-up duty as a reserve offensive lineman against Missouri State, Miami and Kansas. In 2013, he played in the Louisiana, UMass, Iowa State and Kansas games.

Last season, Kleinsorge started every game at right tackle, helping K-State to tally 30 rushing touchdowns — the 10th most in school history — while the Wildcat offense finished in the top 25 in nine categories, including top-20 marks in team passing efficiency (11th), red zone offense (14th) and passing offense (16th).

A three-year letter-winner at Olathe High School South under head coach Jeff Gourley, Kleinsorge helped the Falcons to win league and district championships as a senior, while they were the regional runners-up in 2010.

Kleinsorge also participated in baseball, basketball and track; was named the team's MVP in basketball in 2008; was a Wendy's Heisman Award winner and discus award winner; and was an Eagle Scout in high school.