Cam Kinnie has been part of UCF’s offensive line for long enough to have seen the program from multiple perspectives.
A Lawrenceville, Ga., native who began his career at Georgia, Kinnie transferred to UCF in 2022 and is now entering his fourth year in Orlando. After appearing in 11 games last season with a start against Cincinnati, the senior is preparing for one final run in Black & Gold, this time under head coach Scott Frost.
Kinnie, who has taken reps at both guard and center during camp, said the first preseason under Frost has been both challenging and rewarding.
“It’s been good. It’s been a lot of fun,” Kinnie said. “There are days where it gets monotonous, but Coach (Shawn) Clark and Coach Frost come out there and bring the energy, and it brings the team along. So, it’s been a great camp. I can’t complain at all.”
Academic success off the field
Kinnie’s summer also brought a milestone away from the field.
“I graduated last summer with my undergrad, and then I graduated this summer with my master’s,” he said. “I’m trying to get all my ducks in a row for when football’s over, because I know I’ve got to put the pads down one day. So I’m just kind of getting ready for the next step.”
He said his undergraduate degree was in media production and management, and his master’s in integrated business.
Adjusting to a new offensive line philosophy
This offseason brought a new position coach in Shawn Clark, who has introduced a more aggressive style of line play.
“More of a running off the ball philosophy, kind of just mauling people’s face off,” Kinnie said. “Not afraid to miss, because when you have great backs, they’re going to make us right more times than not.”
Kinnie has benefitted from working at multiple spots along the line, using his time at center to improve his overall understanding of the offense.
“I’ve been able to play a lot more free,” he said. “Clark’s been getting me in at center and both guards. Just being able to translate that cerebral knowledge from center to guard, talking to (center) Carter Miller, even in between plays, it’s been great.”
High-tempo offense and practice competition
The new offense has brought a faster pace, more wide-zone concepts, and in Kinnie’s view, that’s a lot more fun.
“It’s fast,” he said. “But it’s been fun getting that under our belts, knowing that if I’m tired, the guy across from me is more tired than I am, and I’m going to kick his butt on the next play.”
The increased competitiveness in practice has also stood out compared to previous seasons.
“There’s a lot more competition going on at practice with offense vs. defense,” Kinnie said. “You may lose one rep, but you pat that guy on the butt and say, ‘Alright, I got you next time.’ It’s been a great back-and-forth.”
Building chemistry — on and off the field
One of Kinnie’s biggest takeaways this year is how much closer the team has become.
“Last year the offensive line was really close, but the team as a whole was not as close as I’d say this year,” he said. “We’re spending a lot more time together, like golfing with the running backs and going to see a 4-D movie together. Little things like that bring you together.”
What movie?
“We saw Superman in 4-D, so it literally felt like a Universal ride for two hours,” Kinnie said with a laugh. “We were all getting thrown around by the movie together. It was fun.”
Frost has encouraged team bonding with lighthearted player introductions, which range from cartwheels to splits.
“It’s been a good culture,” Kinnie said. “Just getting to know those weird things about each other brings everyone closer.”
Leadership and motivation
As for his own role, Kinnie embraces being a steady presence for younger players.
“Mine would be family,” Kinnie said when asked about his ‘why’. “My parents have sacrificed a lot for me, so I’m paying that forward. I’m more of a lead-by-example guy, but I know when it’s time to step up and lead.”
Final-year focus
Kinnie knows this will be his last season of college football, and he’s determined to make it count.
“Just do whatever I can to help this team win,” he said. “When we win, everyone wins.”
That includes living up to the identity he and his fellow linemen have embraced this offseason.
“Run off the ball, don’t be afraid to miss, and just run through someone’s face,” Kinnie said. “Good things happen more often than not.”
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