Matt Rinehart

Class:
Redshirt
Hometown:
Dover, OH
High School:
Dover

Matt Rinehart will look to build on an outstanding sophomore season as he enters the spring as the team’s starting punter.

2009 Sophomore Season

Turned in an outstanding sophomore campaign, earning a spot on the All-MAC first team — just the second Kent State punter to be so honored in 58 years in the conference…was also a first-team Academic All-MAC honoree…punted 74 times for an average of 40.9 yards to lead the MAC and post the fourth-best mark in school history…had a career-long 80-yard punt against Western Michigan Oct. 31 that was the second-longest effort in the nation in 2009 and the second-best effort in school history…pinned the opponent inside the 20-yard line 17 times, while he booming the ball over 50 yards 16 times…was a big reason KSU finished second in the MAC with a 35.8 net punting average…posted a 44.4 yard average on five punts at Ohio that included three of 50 yards or more.

2008 Freshman Season

Had a solid freshman campaign as team’s starting punter in all 12 games…was recipient of team’s Outstanding Special Teams Award…punted 49 times for 1,799 yards…40.0 average ranked seventh in the MAC…longest punt went for 55 yards…helped Flashes in field position battle with 18 punts that landed inside the opposition’s 20-yard line and six that went for 50-plus yards…one of eight true freshmen to earn a varsity letter.

Prior To Kent State

Named first team All-Ohio, all-league, all-district and all-region his senior season at Dover High School…was also the player of the year in the region, district and league…garnered league kicker of the year honors for the second straight season…averaged 49.5 yards per punt…led the team with 122 points (11 TD, 41 XP, 5 FG)…made 72 receptions for 856 yards and six touchdowns…also had a successful junior campaign, earning special mention All-Ohio and first team all-league, all-district and all-region honors…averaged 41.9 yards per punt…coached by Dan Ifft…also lettered one year in baseball.

Personal

Born May 16, 1989 in Dover, Ohio…son of Ken and Jane Rinehart…has a sister, Libby, and a pair of brothers, Andy and Eric…majoring in nursing.