Fresno State defensive tackle from Oakdale hits NCAA transfer portal

Fresno State defensive tackle Matt Kjeldgaard, a well-regarded recruit from the Bulldogs’ 2018 recruiting class, announced on social media on Thursday that he was entering the NCAA transfer portal.

Kjeldgaard had not yet played in a game, sitting out as a redshirt in 2018 and working last season on the offensive line while the Bulldogs were hit by a run of injuries. The 6-foot-2, 295-pound redshirt sophomore from Oakdale was to move back to the defensive line for spring practices, before they were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“I have made the decision to enter the transfer portal,” Kjeldgaard said on Twitter. “With that being said, I have been incredibly blessed with the opportunity to be a Bulldog. I want to give a huge thank you to Coach (Jeff) Tedford, (Ryan) Grubb, (Kalen) DeBoer, and the entire staff at Fresno State, both present, and past for the level of effort and love invested into me and all of the athletes at Fresno State.

“I have made both friendships and relationships that will last a lifetime. Although I am very thankful for the opportunity Fresno State has offered me, I believe it is time for me to grow and better myself by moving on. I am extremely excited to see what God has for my next three years of eligibility and where He will take me.”

With Kjeldgaard in the transfer portal, the Bulldogs’ depth in the interior defensive line takes a hit. Fresno State has one of the most productive defensive tackles in the Mountain West Conference returning in senior Kevin Atkins, who last season was in on 31 tackles including 7.0 tackles for loss and a team-leading 5.0 sacks.

But behind Atkins, the Bulldogs lack experience and depth. Arizona transfer Kurtis Brown will be eligible this season, and redshirt sophomores Leonard Payne Jr. and Matt Lawson have played primarily on special teams.

This story was originally published June 18, 2020 at 11:13 PM.