Adam Klenk has shown remarkable perseverance through injuries, position changes, and personal tragedy to earn his spot on the Navy football team this season.
After spending three consecutive seasons on the scout team, Klenk could have easily decided to step away from football after his junior year to concentrate on his academic and military commitments at the Naval Academy. However, that is not in his character. He chose to continue with the team, even if it meant going four years without participating in a varsity game.
“I”ve never been a quitter and never want to be a quitter,” Klenk stated in a recent interview. “I decided to stick with football because it was the uncommon thing to do. Most people in my situation probably would have quit.”
As a result of his determination, Klenk has emerged as one of the standout stories of the current Navy football season. Four games in, he has secured a role on the Navy defense and is making an impact.
“What a great example Adam Klenk is for our younger players, and even our older players who haven”t cracked the lineup,” said Navy head coach Brian Newberry. “He”s a guy that battled injuries, position changes — all those things — and just kept coming to work. He”s just a great young man who is resilient and tough.”
Klenk was a dominant defensive end for two years at Seneca High School in New Jersey, where he earned All-State honors three times and was named the Burlington County Defensive Player of the Year three times. In his senior year, he transitioned to inside linebacker after opponents began to avoid his side of the field. Despite the change, he still set school records for sacks.
Recruited by Navy as an inside linebacker, Klenk was later shifted to fullback in his sophomore year, but that move did not yield the expected results. He was returned to inside linebacker, where he found himself low on the depth chart.
Injuries played a significant role in his inability to showcase his talent, including a torn ACL and meniscus. Nevertheless, Klenk remained focused and sought to find a place on special teams.
“I tried to lean into the things I did well. I was always pretty good in the weight room, and the scout team lifted before every practice, so I made the most of that,” Klenk explained. His increased strength has been beneficial this season.
During a conditioning drill in Navy”s notorious winter workouts, Klenk caught the eye of Navy defensive coordinator P.J. Volker with his agility and speed. This led to another position change, this time to outside linebacker, known as raider, a role that requires both stopping the run and rushing the passer.
“I”ve had a lot more fun playing raider. I just feel like it clicks better for me,” Klenk shared. “At raider, it was easy to play fast because the coaches gave me a visual key and said if does one thing, you do this. If he does another, you do this.”
After spring camp, Klenk found himself third on the raider depth chart, a significant accomplishment. “During spring practice, I figured I”ve got nothing to lose, so just go out there and turn it loose,” he remarked.
When a teammate suffered a season-ending injury during training camp, Klenk moved up to second on the depth chart. He primarily contributed on special teams during the first three games but made a significant impact in the game against Rice, where he recorded five tackles in just 14 snaps.
“Adam continues to get better and deserves to be on the field more. He”s one of the most dynamic athletes, if not the most dynamic athlete, we have on the defensive side of the football,” Newberry stated.
With a talented raider in three-year starter Luke Pirris, the coaching staff devised plans to utilize both players simultaneously. Klenk has played defensive end on passing downs while Pirris takes the raider position.
In the last three games, Klenk has shone on defense, accumulating 20 tackles, including four for loss, and three sacks. His strip sacks against Temple and Florida Atlantic were pivotal moments that changed the course of those games.
“Good things happen whenever Adam is on the field. He is really ascending,” Volker noted. “I could not be more excited for Adam Klenk and his story of adversity. He”s just a really good football player and is getting better and better every single day.”
Klenk recalls the joy of being celebrated by teammates after his strip sack against FAU, a moment that made all his struggles worthwhile. “It”s been nothing short of the best time. I haven”t had the smoothest path here, but to see the light at the end of the tunnel and be able to get something out of this and help my team win games is amazing,” he expressed.
The difficult times for Klenk began when his father, Jonathan Klenk, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a severe brain tumor. Jonathan suffered a stroke and passed away in September 2022, shortly after visiting Adam at Annapolis.
“Our last visit with Adam was really upsetting because he was basically saying goodbye to his father,” said Kristina Klenk, Adam”s mother.
As he navigated plebe summer, Adam often wondered if his father would still be alive for “Parents Weekend” in August, the first time plebes can see their families.
“It definitely was the hardest time in my life. It was really rough, but I wouldn”t be the person I am today without having gone through that,” Klenk reflected, crediting his mother and older brother for being vital sources of support.
Jonathan Klenk was a director in the seafood wholesale business, while Kristina works as a nurse. She and Adam”s brother have attended nearly every game this season, bringing joy as they witness Adam”s on-field contributions.
“I”m just elated that Adam is getting an opportunity and we are just so happy for him,” Kristina shared. “It would have been a real shame for him to go four years without even having a chance to play. I”m not surprised that Adam persevered because that”s just the kind of person he is. He always gives 110% and has been that way since he was a child in any sports he played.”
Klenk aspires to select Marine Corps Ground as his service choice. The loss of a parent at a young age leaves a lasting impact, but he is thankful for the support from his roommate and teammates.
He acknowledges the encouragement from family and friends as crucial to his journey. “I can”t even put into words how much it means for me to be able to make an impact for this team,” he concluded. “All I”ve done for the past four years is dream about being out on the field with guys I respect so much, and playing a part in helping this team win is really rewarding.”
