TU Player to Watch, Day 1: G.J. Kinne

Originally Published: Feb 14, 2010 3:43 PM CDT

Andrew Topps
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

QB G.J Kinne

Background:

Kinne played in all 12 games for Tulsa this past season. He led the team in passing and rushing from the quarterback position. Kinne sat out the 2008 season after transferring from Texas and redshirted for the longhorns in 2007.

Why He’s on the List:

As Kinne goes, the team goes. He is capable of putting up fantastic numbers, passing for more than 300 yards and rushing for 100 yards in a one point loss against then No. 15 Houston. He has also had his fair share of clunkers, passing for just 10 yards in a contest against SMU.

Best Case Scenario:

Kinne plays up to the potential that got him a scholarship offer from Texas. He showed flashes in his first year playing since high school and with a year of maturity under his belt, could vault the Hurricane attack back into a top five offense.

Worst Case Scenario:

There are two other quarterbacks hot on his heels and Kinne presses too hard to try to outshine them. Competition is good for a football team, but he has transferred once when he felt he was not going adequate playing time, so another move is not out of the question.

My Take:

Kinne should be able to put it together this season. 2009 was his first time taking game snaps in three years and now the rust is most likely off. Plus, he will have another year learning to offensive system and adjusting to his receivers.