G.J. Kinne

Kinne has been working hard to put himself in front of NFL scouts as much as possible. After being named the MVP of the first NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, he wasn't invited to the scouting combine in February. However, he took advantage of his pro day in March in front of representatives from 17 teams, working to prove he can take snaps from under center and show his accuracy. "It was one of the most special days of my life," Kinne told the Tulsa World. "I came out here and really competed and put up some great numbers, and I think I answered a lot of the questions about me." The three-year starter ranks second in school history in total offense and touchdown passes and third in passing yardage, but arm strength has been a concern. Kinne comes from a football family. His father, Gary, was a linebacker at Baylor in the 1980s and a linebackers coach for the Bears. His uncle, Buddy Owens, played for Michigan State in the '60s. Named the 15-3A MVP as a senior in high school, Kinne led Gilmer to a 10-1 record and the No. 11 ranking in Texas while throwing for 3,216 yards and 47 touchdowns. The mobile quarterback also competed in basketball, baseball and track and field.

Prep All-American and two-time 3A Offensive Player of the Year

played in the 2007 East Meets West All-American game

connected with fellow UT signee Malcolm Williams for a 60-yard TD

four-year starter at QB

also started as a free safety his first three years

played three seasons at Canton before transferring to Gilmer as a senior

accounted for TDs in six different ways (pass, rush, rec., KR, PR and INT return)

threw for 11,695 yards and 130 TDs, while rushing for 3,327 yards and 48 TDs in four seasons

his 11,695 yards rank third and his 130 TD passes rank second in Texas high school football history

led his teams to a 38-9 record during that span

earned 3A Offensive Player of the Year honors from The Associated Press and the Texas Sports Writers Association as a senior. Also named the district 15-3A MVP

led Gilmer to a 10-1 record and a No. 11 ranking in the Texas Football Top 25

threw for 3,216 yards and 47 TDs with only one INT, while rushing for 400 yards and 11 TDs

finished his career by throwing 217 consecutive passes without an interception

threw at least four TD passes in eight of 11 games

earned 3A Offensive Player of the Year honors (AP, TSWA) as a junior

also earned 15-3A MVP honors

led Canton to a 12-2 record and a berth in the quarterfinals of the 3A state playoffs

threw for 4,200 yards and 42 TDs, while rushing for 1,012 yards and 15 TDs

recorded a career-best 5,212 yards of total offense and 65 total TDs that year

also led his team with seven interceptions while playing free safety

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

earned second-team 3A all-state honors (AP) as a sophomore

also was tabbed the district 15-3A MVP and the all-County MVP

helped Canton go 8-2 on the season

passed for 2,629 yards and 29 TDs, while rushing for 1,300 yards and 15 TDs. Earned East Texas Newcomer of the Year and all-County Newcomer of the Year as a freshman

led Canton to an 8-4 record

tallied 1,650 yards and 12 TDs passing, while rushing for 615 yards and seven TDs

connected on a 99-yard TD pass in a game against Sabine

also competed in basketball, baseball and track and field

earned all-district honors in basketball as a junior

was named all-state in baseball as a sophomore at centerfield and all-district as a freshman and junior

also played pitcher and catcher

holds personal bests of 39.0 seconds in the 300 hurdles and 23-1 in the long jump

was a four-year honor roll student who maintained a 3.6 GPA

was a three-year member of the Spanish Club

volunteered to read to students at local elementary schools

served as the coach of a YMCA flag football team.

Dad, Gary, was a LB and captain at Baylor from 1986-89 and is currently the Bears’ linebackers coach

uncle, Buddy Owens, played football at Michigan State from 1963-65

full name is Gary Joe Kinne

born 12/1/88 in Mesquite, Texas

lived in Mesquite until the eighth grade

moved to Canton until 11th grade

transferred to Gilmer for his senior season.