Joe Klopfenstein attended Grandview High School in Aurora, Colorado. Joe began his career as a quarterback before moving to the defensive side of the ball as a sophomore. He finished his sophomore season with 45 tackles, 4 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 fumble recovery, as his team suffered through a 3-7 season. As a junior, Joe totaled 50 tackles, 7 sacks and 1 forced fumble, improving the team’s record to 7-3. He was named second team all-league and honorable mention all-state for his play that season. As a senior Joe played both defensive end and slot back. He finished the season with 53 tackles and 8 sacks on defense. On offense he carried the ball 16 times for 103 yards. He also caught 10 passes for 103 yards on the season. He helped Grandview to a 9-2 records and a state playoff appearance his final year in high school. He was named first team all-league and all-state for his play at defensive end. Joe went on to play for the University of Colorado and although he did play in seven games as a freshman, he didn’t have any statistics on the year. As a sophomore, Joe started ten games, missing one game with the flu. He caught 20 passes for 190 yards and 4 touchdowns on the year, earning honorable mention all-big twelve honors in the process. As a junior he started 12 of 13 games, finishing with 33 receptions for 418 yards and 5 touchdowns. He was named honorable mention all-big twelve for the second consecutive season. Joe had another solid season as a senior, totaling 32 receptions for a career high 468 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Joe Klopfenstein has good deal of experience having started at tight end for the past three seasons in Colorado. During that time he has proven to be a very durable player with no major injuries. He has a good combination of height and speed for the position. He runs good routes and has soft hands. He will make a tough catch over the middle and his speed allows him to make plays downfield as well. He is an adequate blocker but he could still improve in that area. He may need to bulk up and increase his strength to be more effective in the running game and he does have the frame in which to do so. Joe is also an intelligent player and an extremely hard worker. He is a solid all-around tight end and should be a late first or early second day pick in the 2006 NFL draft.