Shep Klinke

2008: Anchored an offensive line, leading Katy that claimed the 5A state championship.
2009: Leader and anchor of the offensive line at Katy, which reached the state title game for the third consecutive season.

2009: First Team All-Greater Houston (Houston Chronicle); 17-5A First Team All-District; 3 star recruit by ESPN.com / Scouts Inc.; Ranked 12th nationally among guards by ESPN.com / Scouts Inc.; PARADE All-American; EA Sports Second Team All-American

At the time of his A&M commitment early last spring, Shep Klinke was essentially a complete unknown on the recruiting scene. The 6-7, 290-pounder impressed college coaches from around the country during the spring evaluation period before putting together as dominating a senior season as any lineman in the state of Texas. By November, Klinke had established himself as one of the state's top-20 overall prospects and perhaps Texas' fastest-rising prospect.

Klinke caught Mike Sherman's eye as a junior, helping to lead the Katy Tigers to their second straight 5A state title. It's no surprise that the head coach whose desire it was to re-build the A&M program "from the inside out" fell in love with the giant tackle prospect.

Shep's size, strength and outstanding base allow him to serve as a true road-grader in the running game. Thanks to his overwhelming size and strength and tremendous lower body strength, Klinke dominates at the point of attack. He is also fast and aggressive enough to keep his feet, allowing him to reach linebackers at the second level and get downfield. Meanwhile, his wingspan, athletic ability and feet allow him excel in pass protection.

Like fellow o-line signees Luke Joeckel and Jake Matthews, Klinke is a very technically sound blocker who is much further along in terms of his development than your average incoming freshman. The two-time unanimous All-District selection is a prototype right tackle but could play on the left side or even at guard if the Aggies need him there early in his college career.

As a senior, Klinke earned First Team All-Greater Houston accolades while leading Katy back to the 5A championship game for the third time in as many seasons.

"Shep is an intelligent football player that has a chance to be really outstanding at the next level. He's 6-6, 290 pounds and is very athletic for a big kid. He's got good feet, moves well and isn't afraid to work. He's got well over a 4.0 GPA, so he picks up on things really quickly." - Katy head coach Gary Joseph.

"I think I'm most looking forward to the competition. There were times in high school when it was just a complete mismatch. I'm ready for a challenge. You know, all the websites can say you're this or that, but you never know until you actually get out there and play. Our coaches at Katy are second to none, and they've taught us great fundamentals and how to play the game with intensity and with a desire to win. I'm looking forward to carrying that to the next level." - Shep Klinke.