Jason Veltkamp will be the new leader of WKU football’s strength and conditioning program, the program announced on Friday. 

Veltkamp will replace Thomas Stallworth, who left the program earlier this month. Veltkamp has held nine different jobs in strength and conditioning programs and has worked at seven different universities, including University of Arkansas, University of Louisville, University of Utah and North Carolina State. Veltkamp also worked at the NFL level as the strength and conditioning coordinator of the Cleveland Browns. 

“We are thrilled to add Jason Veltkamp to our staff and lead our strength and conditioning program,” head coach Mike Sanford said in a press release. “Not only will he be an incredible leader of men in the weight room, he will also be an effective and highly influential person in their lives off the field. Jason has a wealth of experience leading programs to New Year’s six bowl games, and his expertise in injury prevention will be an invaluable resource for our team. He is also a great motivator who will prepare our players to succeed at the highest level.”

Veltkamp has coached and worked with 58 NFL Draft selections in his career, including Alex Smith, Elvis Dumervil, Eric Weddle, William Gay, Ryan Mallett and Jarius Wright. 

Veltkamp has coached in 12 bowl games, including the Orange Bowl in 2006, and the Cotton Bowl in 2011. 

He’ll lead the Hilltoppers’ strength and conditioning as they progress through spring practice, leading up to the spring game on April 21.

Reporter Jeremy Chisenhall can be reached at 270-745-6291 and [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @JSChisenhall.