Loyola’s Kinnard talks UConn commitment
Loyola junior Leon Kinnard didn’t grow up hoping for a chance to play quarterback in college.
But when Connecticut offered him that opportunity last month, Kinnard reevaluated his collegiate goals.
“Well honestly … I didn’t think anyone would give me the opportunity [to play quarterback],” Kinnard said. “But when UConn offered me, I felt great about the opportunity, so I just went ahead and pulled the trigger.”
Kinnard, 5 feet 9, committed to UConn last Thursday over Maryland, which offered him as a defensive back. Boston College and West Virginia also expressed interest in Kinnard as a slot receiver.
Should things not pan at quarterback for Kinnard at Connecticut, slot is an acceptable alternative.
“They said, ‘We’re bringing you in to let you play quarterback. The only way you won’t play quarterback is if you prove to us that you can’t — then we’ll let you play on the offensive side of the ball.’ Some of the schools wanted me on defense, but I didn’t want to play defense.”
