Kinne Looks Sharp at TU Spring Workouts

Originally Published: Apr 2, 2010 8:28 PM CDT

Bobby Lewis
Oklahoma Sports Mobile Journalist

TULSA, Oklahoma – Tulsa head football coach Todd Graham thinks Golden Hurricane starting quarterback G.J. Kinne will have a breakout year in 2010.

“I think he’s excited,” smiled Graham during a workout this week. “Naturally, having a year of experience under his belt, he’s the guy.”

Kinne has looked sharp early on in spring workouts under new offensive coordinator Chad Morris. The sophomore has a lot riding on his shoulders this fall.

Last year Kinne exploded for 2,732 yards passing and 22 touchdowns. He added 711 yards and five scores on the ground. He's working this spring to improve those numbers.

A key for Kinne in his second season under center will be staying off his backside. Although mobile enough to elude his share of rushers, Kinne spent a lot of time on the ground in 2009. The 6-foot-2, 215 pound dual-threat passer took a beating behind an offensive line that allowed 46 sacks last season, third most in the nation.

“There’s no substitute for experience,” said Graham. “We’ve got to step up and be better there.”

Jacob Bower left the TU program over the offseason, leaving Kinne and seldom-used Shavodrick Beaver as the only experienced QBs on Graham’s roster this spring. Beaver has played well, but, barring injury, the job is 100 percent Kinne’s.

“It’s his job to keep or to lose,” Graham said, but added, “they’ve competed very, very well.”

Tulsa’s annual spring game will be Saturday, April 17th.