For a man of his stature and impressive resume, Adrian Klemm speaks with a humble and calm tone. But, there is no denying his skill or his passion for the game.
Klemm joins SMU football as one of the last coaches added to head coach June Jones’s coaching staff. Klemm will be in charge of the offensive line, and as a former offensive tackle, he knows best that the position is not the most famous. Still, the five men in front of the quarterback are essential to the team and Klemm himself once starred in that position on a dynasty football team.
After playing collegiate football in Hawaii and before volunteering his time last year at SMU, Klemm was an offensive lineman for the New England Patriots from 2000-2004. In 2000, the Patriots drafted him in the second round, which, ironically enough, was before quarterback Tom Brady was drafted in the sixth round.
Brady and Klemm would go on to win three Super Bowls in 2004, 2002 and 2001. After the 2004 season, Klemm went to the Green Back Packers for a year before leaving professional football. However, Klemm doesn’t believe that his players view him differently from any other coach.
“I don’t believe that the players treat me different,” he said. “All the players treat all the coaches with respect and they trust in what we say.”
Klemm will inherit an offensive line that allowed 27 sacks last season, as well as barely helping the rushing game, which averaged only 41.4 yards/game. Injuries are also a problem, as several players have been hurt throughout training camp. Still, Klemm knows that this is all part of the game.
“It’s all part of the game,” Klemm said. “In fact, you can see players on the second and third string playing very well. They’re getting experience and playing time.”
He should have little trouble adapting to Jones’ offensive scheme: Klemm’s senior year at Hawaii was under Jones and he was a member of the team that went from 0-12 to 9-4, the greatest turnaround in NCAA history. Hawaii went on to win a bowl game that year.
Klemm brings experience and a championship mentality to SMU that could only help to improve the team. Hopefully, he’ll be able to celebrate another championship at the end of this year.
