Collin Matteson circled Army’s game against Kansas State when he was a senior in high school.
Tonight isn’t Matteson’s first time inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Matteson camped at Kansas State and toured the program’s facilities during his recruiting.
His grandmother, Carmen Matteson was a big Wildcats’ fan. His father, John, was born at nearby Fort Riley while his grandfather, Charles L. Matteson rose to the ranks of bird colonel.
Matteson followed Kansas State football but he grew up an Oklahoma Sooner fan.
”I rooted for them a little bit,” said Matteson, noting his grandmother’s fandom and where his father was born. “We’ve had that connection a little bit. My grandma has always been a big K-State fan.
”Going back to when I was being recruited by Army my senior year in high school, I knew my senior year in college would be against a Power Four school in Kansas State and a really good team. I’m excited for it.”
Matteson, a senior free safety, was one of 10 Army players to make their first career start in the team’s season opener against Tarleton State. He flew around the field, accounting for eight tackles.
”Collin is a jack of all trades,” Army senior cornerback Justin Weaver said. “He’s good at everything. I know I can rely on him out there. He’s going to make that play if I can’t make it. I trust in making a call or him taking on a block so I can make a play.”
Matteson has waited more than three years for this Kansas State game. He’s looking forward matching up with the Wildcats.
“They have a lot of playmakers and a dual-threat quarterback (Avery Johnson),” Matteson said. “They have a big offensive line. They are very well coached. It will be a challenge. We are focused on and trying to do everything we can do to put ourselves in position to win.”
