San Marcos, Texas – It’s a new beginning for the Texas State University football team as head coach GJ Kinne enters his second season at the helm of the Bobcats program after winning the first bowl game in school history.
The spring game was another example of the program building on last season's accomplishments.
Bobcats new quarterback Jordan McLeod, who transferred to Texas State last season after being named the Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year at James Madison University, struggled during the scrimmage portion of the spring game. I got off to a good start. After several three-and-out possessions, there was an audible sigh from Bobcat fans when he and the other quarterback started making interceptions.
However, McLeod was able to settle down and found wide receiver Joey Hobart on a crossing route, leading to a touchdown run thanks to Hobart's speed.
Coach Kine enjoyed seeing how the quarterbacks were challenged by the starting defense early in the scrimmage and shared how they responded to that adversity.
“I thought they were great, I thought all three of them were great, it's probably difficult at times for young players, I thought they handled it well, and true professionals, and Jordan knows But I've never played.'' He hasn't had that situation yet, but what I saw was him saying, “Coach, let me go again, let me go again.'' It was just that he was definitely… I mean he was OK with me,” Kinne said.
“Obviously, it's a game, but the spring is a time to learn how to get better with your teammates,” McLeod said. “Like I said, we slowed it down and got here. I think we had two weeks of practice, and then we went straight into spring ball. So, like I told Coach Kine, with those guys, You know I could have lowered my timing and gotten more reps.''On the field, his last rep was throwing a touchdown to J-Dub (Jaden Williams) in the end zone. I think so. I hope the other person in charge goes on offense and finishes on a good note. ”
The defense, including senior safety Caleb Culp, took note of how McLeod was able to use his arm talent late in the scrimmage.
“I can see why he's Player of the Year. He throws with really good noise. He's got a great touch that I haven't seen a little bit,” Culp said. “I've been around some good QBs, but he has great touch and you can see he leads our offense pretty well.”
The Bobcats host Lamar in their home opener on August 31st and look to end the new season with a bowl game victory.
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