Cole Klein leading the way for Tri-Valley with effort, physicality and pedigree

(25News Now) - Tri-Valley’s Cole Klein is having a terrific season for the unbeaten Vikings. Whether it be playing quarterback, running back or linebacker, he’s making an impact on every single snap he plays.

“He’s done a great job for us,” head coach Josh Roop said. “At the beginning of the year stepping in at quarterback and then as we’ve moved on he’s been a running back and he’s tough to deal with.”

For Klein, the difference goes beyond his physical tools. It’s a mindset to make each play great.

“I’m strong, athletic and when I get out there,” the junior said. “Every time I get the ball, I just run as hard as I can and try to make the most of every single play.”

One thing that stands out about Klein is just how physical he is. He’s not the biggest kid, clocking in at 6-foot, 185 pounds, but you wouldn’t know that from watching him play.

“Sometimes I don’t really realize that I’m not the biggest out there,” Klein said. “I’m pretty young too so I’ve always played up. I’ve always played against those bigger kids so I’m just used to playing to a higher level.”

He’s a real weapon when it comes to playing physical football.

“He’s got natural vision and finishes runs and lowers his shoulder at the end,” Coach Roop said. “Gets you four or five yards when you need them.”

Klein says he gets the physical mentality from his family. His dad, Aron, played Big 10 football at Iowa and his brother TJ plays at Augustana after being a standout on last year’s Tri-Valley state runner up team.

“He’s [Aron] a huge role model in my football career,” Klein said. “Every single offseason we’re always in the gym together and he’s pushing me to get better every single day. Just like my dad, he’s [TJ] always in the gym with me and whenever we can we’re out on the field and we’re just going against each other doing one-on-ones. It’s always a competition in our house.”

A couple great gym buddies and lots of talent and effort have Cole Klein thriving and hoping to lead Tri-Valley on another deep playoff run.