Bobcats practice at UFCU Stadium, Kinne talks about quarterback room

Texas State enters the third week of fall camp to prepare for the 2024 season.

It was an exciting week for both the players and Head Coach G.J. Kinne as the team was able to practice on the new playing surface installed at UFCU Stadium.

“It was great to get on the new turf,” Kinne said. “The grass [on the practice field] was really great and the grounds crew did a great job. The administration did a great job, especially on short notice. We got a couple of good practices out there, but it was nice to get back on the field.”

Moving the practices back to UFCU Stadium has allowed Kinne to better simulate live game situations compared to the grass fields.

“It felt more like a game-type atmosphere,” Kinne said. “It was a little cleaner [with] substitutions, having the box and keeping everyone back. It just felt better. I’m excited about the new turf.”

Kinne was proud of how the Bobcats practiced with every position group competing against each other and players aiming for a starter spot.

“I thought we had one of our cleanest practices of the year,” Kinne said. “It was a really good back and forth, and it was very competitive. I thought the quarterbacks had their best day today. I really challenged them over the weekend, and they responded really well. Overall, it was a really good practice.”

One of the position groups that performed well in Kinne eyes’ was the quarterback room.

Headed up by Jordan McCloud, who was recently named to the Davey O’Brien Award preseason watch list, Kinne challenged the quarterbacks not from a physical standpoint but from a mental one.

“For us, it’s [not just] about talent but the mindset,” Kinne said. “Don’t get me wrong, they have been practicing really well. But to get where we need to go, you have to play at a certain level. We challenged [the quarterbacks,] and they played really well. Commanding the offense and being the guy, you have to carry yourself in a certain way and perform to be that guy. Both Jordan and R.J. have demonstrated they can go out there and do that.”

One of the quarterbacks added during the offseason was Baylor transfer R.J. Martinez.

A graduate of Round Rock Westwood, Martinez saw limited action with the Bears before transferring. Before playing at Baylor, Martinez led the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

In his final season with the Lumberjacks, Martinez threw for 2,885 yards and 16 touchdown passes.

Running the offense with the backups, and occasionally the starters, Martinez’s play making ability has impressed Kinne.

“R.J. is super talented, and we knew that,” Kinne said. “He has a huge arm, and he is really smart. He picked up the playbook really well and he creates [plays] well. He is most comfortable when he gets out on the edge and either throws the ball down field or takes off. … He is like a point guard running around, throwing it up and making plays. He can throw from the pocket too, but that is a part of his game that he continues to get better at.”

Texas State will start the season at home against the Lamar Cardinals. Kickoff is set for Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m.

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