Tech signee Klock playing in Big 33 all-star game

Three days before he is to report to Georgia Tech to begin his Yellow Jackets career, incoming freshman Trey Klock will play in one of the oldest and most prestigious high school football all-star games in the country.

An offensive tackle, Klock will play for the Pennsylvania team against Maryland in the Big 33 Football Classic Saturday at 7 p.m. It’s the 57th edition of the game, which has traditionally brought each state’s top players. Game organizers are proud of the fact that every Super Bowl has had a former Big 33 player in it, though the game has reportedly not drawn the type of talent it once did, in part because more players enroll early or leave for college in the summer, as Klock will.

The game will be played at Hersheypark Stadium, where Klock has played his home games for Lower Dauphin High School.

“That’s an awesome thing,” Klock said. “I grew up around the game. It’s been so close to me. We were a host family for a while. To be able to play in it, it’s a big thing for me for sure.”

Klock said he is feeling healthy and weighs about 270 pounds, up about 10 pounds from his listed weight from signing day. In the winter, he had surgery to address a broken-foot injury that didn’t heal properly, he said. He has been following the workout regimen provided by the Tech strength and conditioning staff.

“I’m just excited to be able to play at the next level,” he said.

Days before making the drive to Atlanta, he conceded to being nervous, but said that “I feel comfortable with the coaching staff and the training staff. They’ve done a great job to get us adjusted to college life and prepare us the best that they can. It comes down to how hard we’re willing to work.”

The Big 33 game will be carried on ESPN3. Klock will be wearing No. 15 and playing defensive end.