Former Texas Quarterback G.J. Kinne Transfers to Tulsa
5/7/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
May 7, 2008
Tulsa, Oklahoma - University of Tulsa Head Football Coach Todd Graham announced today that former University of Texas quarterback G.J. Kinne (Ken-nee) signed scholarship papers today with the Golden Hurricane as he transfers from the Longhorns' football program.
Kinne red-shirted last year as a true freshman at Texas. He will sit out the 2008 season for the Golden Hurricane and have three years of eligibility remaining beginning in 2009.
Before signing with the Longhorns, Kinne was a prep All-American quarterback at Gilmer (Texas) High School and a two-time Class 3A Offensive Player of the Year. He finished his career ranked third in Texas high school history in passing yards (11,695) and second in TD passes (130). He was the 15th-rated quarterback in the nation according to Rivals.com as a senior.
"We're extremely excited to have a player of of GJ's caliber. He has been a winner his whole life. For a player of his caliber to transfer to Tulsa speaks volumes about our program and where we're are at this point. He had a lot of big-time scholarship offers out of high school," said Graham.
The 6'1", 220-pounder played in the 2007 East Meets West All-American game, where he connected with future Longhorn receiver Malcolm Williams for a 60-yard TD. Kinne was a four-year starter at quarterback and also started as a free safety his first three years. He played three seasons at Canton High School before transferring to Gilmer as a senior. In his prep career, Kinne accounted for touchdowns in six different ways (pass, rush, receiving, KR, PR and INT return).
In addition to his career passing totals of 11,695 yards and 130 touchdowns, Kinne also rushed for 3,327 yards and 48 TDs in four seasons. He led his teams to an overall 38-9 record during that span.
As a senior, Kinne threw for 3,216 yards and 47 TDs with only one interception, while rushing for 400 yards and 11 TDs. He earned Class 3A Offensive Player of the Year honors from The Associated Press and the Texas Sports Writers Association as a senior. Kinne was also named the district 15-3A MVP as he led Gilmer to a 10-1 record and a No. 11 ranking in the Texas Football Top-25.
Kinne finished his career by throwing 217 consecutive passes without an interception, while also completing at least four TD passes in eight of 11 games.
Kinne also earned 3A Offensive Player of the Year (AP, TSWA) and District 15-3A MVP as a junior. He led his Canton team to a 12-2 record and a berth in the quarterfinals of the 3A state playoffs. His junior year passing totals amounted to 4,200 yards and 42 TDs, while rushing for 1,012 yards and 15 TDs. He threw for 400 yards and four TDs, rushed for two TDs, intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble in a 61-58 victory over Gilmer, the school he transferred to a year later.
"GJ has a strong arm and can throw the ball vertically down the field. He's a big-play guy. He can run and throw it," said Graham. "His ability to scramble and make plays, a lot in the same regard as what Paul Smith could do for us, is his strength. He's definitely not just a passer, but he's a guy who can run too. GJ has great athleticism. He can make people miss and has great vision down the field when he's scrambling to be able to connect on a big pass play. His pedigree is remarkable. He comes from a great family and we know he has great character. He's the total package."
Graham and his Kinne's father, Gary Joe, played prep football together at North Mesquite High School. "Gary Joe and I have been friends for a long time, and I actually gave him his first coaching job at Allen High School in 1995," added Graham.
