Interview: College Programs Catching onto 2023 Arizona TE/WR Matthew Klopfenstein

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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If a 6-foot 5-inch, 226-pound, receiving target has wheels and reliable hands, there is nothing that can be done to stop him on the gridiron. During the 2020 season, when Matthew Klopfenstein was targeted in Horizon High School’s offense, he delivered. With the talent to go in tight as a receiving and blocking threat or to slide to the outside drawing a helpless safety over the top and a bewildered corner trying to keep pace, Klopfenstein was using his size and athletic talents to make plays happen. And now college programs are keying in on the Class of 2023 standout.

Taking on Arizona 5A secondaries is not an easy task, yet Klopfenstein makes it look routine. During the Huskies’ virus-shortened season, Klopfenstein produced team highs in receptions (17) and yards (180) in stats compiled in five games. The productivity earned All-Region and All-Conference recognition along with an offer from the Arizona Wildcats.

Stopping by the RNG Lab for the first time, Klopfenstein gives insight into his game with an update on his popping recruiting status.

Interview

Matt, your athleticism allowed you to be a versatile asset for the Huskies’ offense during your sophomore season lining up in tight and on the outside. Getting to do both, play tight end and wide out, how did that help expand your knowledge and understanding of the game?

Playing outside really helped my experience both with catching and with my route running, blocking as well. There are some tight ends that block mainly on the line and some that only go out wide, I do both. I prefer playing both, and I get to do both.

Playing in the trenches, how did your skills improve as a blocker and receiving threat?

It did improve. It improved a lot. My conditioning was insane because I was running so many routes. My blocking and my routes improved last season. I saw improvement in both.

And what about playing receiver?

Throughout the season, I was so crisp with my route running, and I am still working on it. My blocking in space was really good.

Your hands and reaction time to the ball allowed for what looked like a lot of easy comeback routes for you. What were some of the other routes you were running during the season?

Yeah. Slants, slant stops and sit in the middle, overs, drags across the middle, and a bunch of back shoulders – that was insane. I did some goes too.

What have you been working on with your skillset this winter?

With my 7v7 team, HCA Dolphins, we’ve been grinding every weekend. I think we’ve played in tournaments in each of the past five weekends. We are good. This offseason I have worked on my footwork, that is key for a tight end and that is what separates tight ends from one another. I am in the weight room every other day. When I am not in the weight room, those are speed days.

How are you pushing your speed and agility ahead this offseason?

I am running a couple times a week, doing the ladder, a bunch of cone drills, and I do run hills sometimes. I have not been in the sand yet but I want to start doing that.

Camp season is underway, have you been to any yet or are there any coming up you might attend?

Yes. I am scheduled to go to two, one on April 24 and one on Feb. 28. Some colleges have emailed me asking me to go to their camps.

Circling back to your 7v7 season; how is that going for you and the team?

Our team is really good, we’ve been together since sixth or seventh grade. We have a bunch of tight ends and one receiver. We mow through everyone to be honest. On offense, we are spread evenly with talent.

It may be too early to know, but are you taking on any new roles during the 2021 season?

With our new coach, I am not really sure how we will do everything. Last season our coach did not allow anyone to go both ways. I am thinking I will play some defensive end this year.

Last part; let’s talk recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?

There have been a couple of schools that started showing interest after the offer from Arizona. A bunch of schools followed me on Twitter: Cal, Washington, Michigan, ASU, a punch of Pac-12, but none have reached out yet. I am talking to some schools.

When visits get going, are there any you’d like to take?

Oh yes. Colorado, USC, UCLA, some of the California schools. One of the U-of-A (Arizona) coaches wants me there by April 15 if possible.

Matt, I enjoyed learning more about your game today. Thanks for your time and good luck with the rest of your 7v7 season.

Thank you, sir.

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Photo credit: Klopfenstein family; Matthew Klopfenstein