From Australia to Iowa State, Matt Leo following football dream

AMES — Matt Leo didn't understand what he was watching.

All he knew was he liked it.

American football doesn't have much prominence in Leo's native Australia, but once he started watching, he was hooked. Even with the limited amount of broadcast options, Leo had a knack for finding games on TV at all hours of the night.

'It's literally broadcasted at random times,' Leo said. 'At 3 a.m. you might see a (Baltimore) Ravens and San Francisco (49ers) game. It's really hit and miss. You never really know.'

That love of football spurred a decision to leave his country and chase a dream in the United States. At 6-foot-7 and 276 pounds, the new Iowa State defensive lineman had all the physical tools needed to make it as a football player, but his story isn't that simple.

Leo grew up playing rugby as his love for football developed. But a life in the U.S. still seemed like a long shot. So in his late teens and early 20s he went to trade school and did a yearlong apprenticeship to become a construction plumber.

'Not a maintenance plumber that unblocks toilets,' Leo said as he smiled. 'Let's not get that mistaken.'

Upon completion of his program, Leo still had football on his mind. Through a number of channels, he learned of the possibilities of playing junior college ball and earning a spot. He left behind family and friends, enrolling at Arizona Western as a walk-on.

'He flies out here on his own dime,' said Iowa State football coach Matt Campbell. 'I love guys that appreciate this game and are driven to be the best. Matt, it's an internal drive.

'You don't leave home, you don't' give all that up, you don't give up a great job and all those things to say, 'Hey, I'm going to come to the United States of America and just give it the old try.''

'I took the risk and I came over here with no intention where I was going to be,' Leo said. 'I knew I had to earn a spot and knew I had to be a walk-on, but I knew I'd work my butt off to make sure I earned a spot on the team.'

It paid off. After spending 2015 as a reserve, Leo had 17 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and a fumble recovery, all while still learning the game. He had offers from Arizona, Mississippi State, Central Florida, Oklahoma and Iowa State.

Leo signed with Iowa State in December and arrived part of the way through spring practices. A full summer of conditioning and workouts has Leo close to catching up with his teammates. He's listed as a backup defensive tackle behind senior Vernell Trent.

'That dude is a freak,' quarterback Jacob Park said of Leo. 'Every time he walks past me I'm like, 'Jeesh, man.''

Even though he's on scholarship, Campbell said, he still has the mind-set of a walk-on. Leo is constantly at the Bergstrom Football Complex, working out and following good nutrition habits. Leo's investment in his life of football he pursued is personal.

'I think Matt has been a really great addition in terms of that aspect of it,' Campbell said. 'His story is certainly unique, but his want-to is what makes him really special in my opinion.'

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