Missouri: Interview with Lee’s Summit West’s Class of 2017 Offensive Lineman Matt Gauert

Written by Charlie Beuttel 
Twitter: @charlie_cds3 

Lee’s Summit West, located in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, had a roller coaster of a season in 2015 as the Titans finished 6-5 and lost in the second round of the 6A playoffs to Kickapoo, 26-7. One of the keys to their success was the play of their offensive line which was led by senior Boe Wilson and junior Matt Gauert. Wilson, signed with Nebraska on National Signing Day, but Gauert will return for his senior season and once again be the leader of the offensive line.

The 6’4”, 285 pound, offensive lineman had a tremendous junior campaign where he had 50 pancake blocks. Gauert plays very aggressive and uses his size and strength to dominate opponents.

The Class of 2017 recruit is already receiving interests from several Big 12 schools including Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State and Nebraska.

Gauert not only puts in the work on the field but also in the weight room where has a bench max of 375 pounds and a squat max of 585. He also does well in the classroom where he currently has a 3.5 GPA.

In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with Matt to talk about his career at Lee’s Summit West and his recruiting process.

Interview
Gauert, what are your thoughts on the 2015 season?

“I thought overall the team played well, it went well. We overcame adversity due to injuries. Guys stepped up and we held our own.”

What are your thoughts on your individual performance?

“I thought I played very well and dominated the entire season. I faced tough competition and I held my own very well.”

What are your strengths on the football field?

“My speed and strength are big. I’m very aggressive and dominate and I’m able to put people on the ground.”

What was your most memorable moment of your junior season?

“Just being able and go out there with my brothers and suit up. That last night at Kickapoo was big.”

What schools are you receiving interest from?

“Kansas State, Kansas, Iowa State, Nebraska, South Dakota State, Purdue, Northern Iowa, Western Illinois, Illinois.”

Have you gone on any visits?

“Purdue last fall, Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa State.”

Out of those four visits, which two were your favorite and why?

“Iowa State and Purdue because Purdue’s game day environment is pretty cool and Iowa State’s facility impressed me.”

Do you have any offers at this time?

“No sir.”

Do you plan on attending any camps this summer?

“I want to make it to all the schools that have talked to me and a rivals combine.”

What do you like most about playing football?

“Just being able to suit up with my brothers and putting out on the line. I’m a big family guy and I like to play with the guys I love.”

Who has had the biggest impact on your football career?

My friend Boe Wilson who signed with Nebraska, he took me under his wings, and Coach Barrows and Coach Boehm who helped me become who I am today.”

How does Lee’s Summit West look going into next season?

“I think we look really good. We are returning the whole offense except a few lineman. Our defense looks good. Some young guys will have to step up.”

Do you have any team or personal goals going into your senior season?

“State is always a goal as a team. Individually I just want to get my name out there. I just want step up and be a leader even more so this year.”

What is your current GPA?

“3.5.”

What do you want to study in college?

“I’m torn between music education and sports medicine.”

Do you play an instrument?

“I play violin and sing.”

Thank you for your time and good luck in your senior season.

“Thank you sir.”

Photo credit: twitter.com/Matt Gauert; Lee’s Summit West OL Matt Gauert

Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 69 Matt Gauert pregame.