Florida Atlantic University welcomes star quarterback Caden Veltkamp to its ranks, bringing with him a strong record from Western Kentucky University.
Veltkamp, a Kentucky native, attended Western Kentucky University until transferring to FAU in December last year. The rising junior had a standout season at WKU, earning Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year after throwing 3,108 yards, 25 touchdowns, and leading his team to the Boca Raton Bowl. He now plans to bring that momentum to FAU.
Veltkamp’s history with new FAU head football coach Zach Kittley was a key factor in the quarterback’s transfer decision. Before taking over as head coach of Texas Tech, Kittley coached at WKU where he recruited Veltkamp out of high school. “To get the opportunity to play for him was something that I couldn’t pass up” Veltkamp says of Kittley. “On top of being a good football coach, he’s also teaching our team how to be better men.”
Veltkamp believes he’ll mesh right into Coach Kittley’s play style. He shares that, “I like to throw the ball around a lot. I think I’m pretty good at it, and that’s what Coach K wants to do, so that’s why I was such a perfect fit.”
While the Owls finished last season with a losing record of 3-9, Veltkamp feels ready to take on the challenge of turning things around this season. His goal for himself and the team is simple, “Win a championship.”
Off the field, Veltkamp has been enjoying life in South Florida. In addition to great weather and daily Bolay runs, he shares that, “there’s a lot to do, and a lot of restaurants … and having the beach close is awesome.”
Looking ahead, Veltkamp and the team are gearing up for the first game of the season against Maryland on Aug. 30. For Veltkamp, the recipe for success is simple, “As long as we keep coming together as a team and treat it as though it’s a brotherhood, not not a business or a job, I think we’ll have a good season.”
