What looked to be a perfect partnership when the two parties met has turned out to be a very productive one for West Virginia State.

When current Head Football Coach Jon Anderson was hired to take over the Yellow Jacket football program in December of 2012 he immediately hit the recruiting trail.

Finding a quarterback to be the future leader of his team was a high priority.

Meanwhile Matt Kinnick was sitting at home in St. Clairsville, Ohio, looking for a college that wanted him as much as he wanted to continue playing quarterback.

"Everyone thought I was too small," said the then 6-foot, 175 pound, Kinnick. "Then Coach Anderson came and talked to me."

After a visit to the Institute campus made a very positive impression on him Kinnick signed to play for the Yellow Jackets.

"I really liked the campus and the people," he said. "I liked Coach Anderson and I wanted to be a part of building something."

Now, after a red-shirt year to add 20 pounds to that "too small" frame, and two seasons as the starter he appears poised to lead WVSU to gridiron success this season and next.

Last season he led the Mountain East Conference in yards passing per game while throwing for over 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Kinnick took time out from his busy schedule to sit down with wvsuyellowjackets.com for a quick interview last week ----

 

So when did you start playing football?

"I started playing flag football when I was in the third grade," Kinnick said. "Then tackle in middle school."
 

Did you play quarterback right from the start?

"In the eighth grade I played wide receiver and defensive end," he said. "I was the quarterback all of the rest of the time."
 

Has that helped you with the pressure and criticism that comes with playing that position?

"Yes, I've been doing it for a while now and I realize that just comes with the territory," said Kinnick. "You just don't listen to what other people have to say."

"I just feel like it's a fun position to play."
 

What have you found to be the biggest differences between high school and college football?

"The speed of the game and the mental part of it," Kinnick said. "There is just such a big difference between reading a defense in high school and in college."
 

How about the differences between high school and college in general?

"The time management part of it," he said. "A lot more work goes into college."
 

What do you expect from this year's team?

"I feel like we are ready to take off," said Kinnick. "We've all got some experience now."

"We have high expectations"
 

What are your goals for the team?

"That they keep working hard and don't look too far down the road," he said. "Focus on winning the day every day."
 

What are your goals for yourself this season?

"To just keep progressing, to get better every day."
 

What improvement do you feel like you have made in yourself over the last couple of years?

"I feel like I've matured a lot over the last couple of years," he said. "I usually like to lead by example but I've become more of a verbal leader."
 

A quarterback's relationship with his receivers is very important. How is yours?

"I have a very good relationship with them," Kinnick said. "We even hang out outside of football and it's great to have that connection with them."
 

What do you see in the future for yourself?

"Coaching or being a school administrator, a principal maybe."
 

A Dean's List student and Education major, Kinnick plans to take advantage of WVSU's newly added Master's program in Public Administration after receiving his undergraduate degree.

But first comes football season.

"I'm ready to get started," Kinnick said.

The Yellow Jackets open the 2016 season at home on Saturday, September 3 with a 1 p.m. meeting against Fairmont State.