By: Nolan Alexander
KENNESAW, Ga. – All edifices that have stood the test of time have benefited structurally from a solid foundation.
For Kennesaw State's offense, the foundation lies at its center.
Matt Olson serves as the base of its offensive line and for a program that prides itself on the play of linemen, the underpinning of its offense.
Coincidentally, Olson knows a thing or two about construction. With a degree in Civil Engineering in hand and coursework started towards a master's in the same field, his aspiration beyond moving defensive lineman is to become a structural engineer.
A structural engineer that plays college football?
According to Strucutralengineeringbasics.com, "Structural engineering is a branch of civil engineering that involves the application of the laws of physics, mathematics and empirical knowledge to safely design the 'bones' and load bearing elements of man-made structures. Modern day structural engineering provides a large and detailed body of knowledge that can accurately predict the performance of different shapes and materials used in structures to resist loads and stresses on structures. The principles of structural engineering were used thousands of years ago when building structures like the pyramids in Egypt or the Acropolis in Greece."
How has Olson been able to chase both impressive feats, being a multi-year starter for a Division 1 program at a demanding position, and pursuing a degree and occupation that's anything but simple?
It starts with his own foundation.
Olson came from a football family. His father, David, was a tight end at Illinois in the early 1990s and caught 52 passes and five touchdowns over a four-year career. His love of the game helped plant the seeds for Matt to find his footing.
"He was an inspiration playing at the college level. Him having success made me want to as well," said Matt. "He's always been very supportive and pushed me to be my best."
The family moved to Athens, Ga., when his mother, Becky, landed at job at the University of Georgia in early childhood education. They later relocated to Cumming where Olson was a two-time all-region honoree and two-time offensive MVP for Forsyth Central High School.
After enrolling at KSU, he was thrust into action as a true freshman when he started the 2018 season-opener at Georgia State.
"Honestly it was kind of a blur. The change in speed from high school to college. I remember running out of the tunnel," recounted Olson. "On the first drive, we broke a long run on the edge. It was cool because I could then see all the work in camp pay off."
That groundwork led to more time on the field. After making four starts between 2019 and the spring 2021 campaigns, he was a Swiss Army knife of an offensive lineman, playing all three positions spread out over 700 snaps en route to KSU's 2021 Big South title. He balanced it all with an arduous coursework. His senior capstone project proved to be the most difficult of his undergraduate classes.
"We had to design a site layout in Utah and build a two-story office building to go on it. There were a lot of little things that you didn't know about it until you got into it," he said.
This included designing the grading of land, a road, parking lot, and structural aspects of the building.
"It was pretty difficult and was a lot of work," said Olson.
To no one around the KSU football program's surprise, Olson earned an A in the class.
With the capstone project behind him, he looked to cap off his career on a high note. Olson dedicated himself to offseason training so much that his work earned the coveted "Iron Owl" award.
"The 'Iron Owl' award is given annually to the person that best personifies what Kennesaw State football stands for in the training environment, E.A.T. We give the award to the individual who shows up every day and puts forth their best
effort, never backs down from a challenge,
leads their teammates by example, and shows respect to the training environment and coaching staff," said Assistant AD for Sport Performance and Director of Football Strength and Conditioning
Jim Kiritsy. "The award doesn't always go to the fastest or strongest, it goes to the person who elevates others while being a shining beacon of effort, attitude, and toughness.
"Matt brings that every day. In season, off-season, healthy or injured, you know that Matt will always put forth his best and expect others to do the same," Kiritsy said. "His progress in the weight room over five years has been amazing to watch, and he was a no-brainer when it came time to give the award in 2022."
Just when all the momentum seemed to be in the 6'3", 285-pounder's favor, a delay in the building project occurred. Olson suffered an injury in preseason camp and missed the first two games.
"It took away from my momentum that I built up. Getting that award helped me get confidence back and reminded me of all the hard work that I had put in," he said. "It was definitely tough having to sit and watch, especially the first away game sitting at home and watching it on TV, which I had never done."
He has returned to form anchoring KSU's offensive line from the center position, and now combines his intelligence of math on the gridiron.
"It helps me identify fronts, know my rules, and know what everyone else needs to do. It helps me see the bigger picture," he said.
What's left for Olson to complete his final senior project on the football field?
"In the beginning I was a rotational guy. Last year I became a real starter," he said. "This year, I want to put an exclamation point on my career and prove myself to everyone."
If the goal is to prove himself,
Matt Olson's career is structurally sound.
