SAN MARCOS, Texas – Texas State is embarking on a new beginning as head coach G.J. Kinne enters his second season in charge of the football program. Four months ago, the Bobcats won a bowl game for the first time in school history.
Saturday’s spring game was another example of the program building on what it achieved last season.
The Bobcats’ presumed new starting quarterback is Jordan McCloud. He transferred to Texas State after being named Sun Belt Conference Player of the Year when he played at James Madison University in 2023.
McCloud had a rough start to the scrimmage portion of the spring game. After a couple of three-and-out possessions, he and other quarterbacks started throwing interceptions. The picks led to audible sighs from Bobcat fans in attendance.
But McCloud was able to settle in and found wide receiver Joey Hobert on a crossing route which led to a touchdown run thanks to Hobert’s speed.
Kinne said he enjoyed seeing how his quarterbacks were challenged by the Bobcats’ defense early in the scrimmage.
“I thought they were great,” Kinne said. “I thought all three of them were great. You know, I think it’s probably sometimes harder for the young guys. I thought those guys handled it well, and true pros. And Jordan (McCloud), you know, I haven’t been in those situations with him yet, but all I saw was him saying, ‘Coach, let me go again. Let me go again.’ So, I’m sure he was...I mean, to me, he was fine.”
“Obviously, it’s a game but throughout spring, this is the time to learn to get better with your teammates,” said McCloud. “Getting timing down. Like I said, I got here, like, I think I had two weeks of work. Then we went right into spring ball, so it was just, you know, getting the timing down with those guys and get more reps.
“So like I told Coach Kinne on the field, I think it was my last rep that I ended up throwing the touchdown to J-dub (Jaden Williams) in the endzone, I just want another rep. Just to go out there with the offense and end on a good note.”
The defense noted how McCloud was able to showcase his arm talent in the later half of the scrimmage, including senior safety Kaleb Culp.
“I see why he’s the (2023 Sun Belt Conference) player of the year,” Culp said. “He makes really good, sound throws. He’s got a nice touch on him that I haven’t seen in a little bit. I’ve been around some good QBs though, but he’s got a nice touch on him. And I can tell that he leads our offense pretty well.”
The Bobcats will host Lamar for their home opener on Aug. 31, looking to end another season with a bowl game victory.