Army’s Matteson named PFF College, American defensive player of week

Collin Matteson couldn’t have written a better ending to Army’s road win against Kansas State Saturday night.

Matteson, a senior safety in his second career start, has a defensive series that most player could only dream. It felt like there were two No. 30s on the field as Kansas State attempted to march for game-tying field goal or potential touchdown.

Simply, Matteson wasn’t going to let the program that passed up on him in recruiting accomplish that. The American Conference defensive player of the week delivered a textbook hit on K-State receiver Jaron Tibbs, jarring the ball loose as Army’s Justin Weaver recovered. Officials ruled that what looked to be a catch and fumble an incomplete pass.

No worries. Seven plays later, Matteson intercepted a tipped pass for the Black Knights’ game-clinching first turnover this season.

The American Conference recognized Matteson for his performance Monday.
Pro Football Focus College named Matteson its national defensive player of the week Monday. Matteson made PFF College’s team of the week Sunday as one of the nation’s two-best safeties, grading at 84.0.

In all, Matteson had an interception and three pass breakups on Kansas State’s final 9-play drive. Unbelievable.

What made Matteson’s effort even more compelling is his back story. Matteson’s father born in nearby Fort Riley and his grandmother is a big K-State fan. Matteson camped with the Wildcats and was sent a letter by the Kansas State coaching staff that they were going in another direction in recruiting.

Junior quarterback Cale Hellums made the American Conference honorable mention list in his first college start. Hellums set an academy record for carries (41), rushed for 124 yards and two touchdowns and threw for a touchdown in Kansas State win.