Kitna will battle for backup job
With Napier bringing in Jack Miller III via the transfer portal after signing three-star Max Brown in the Class of 2022, many expected at least one of the freshman quarterbacks, Carlos Del Rio-Wilson or Jalen Kitna to depart.
One did, but the other decided to stick it out.
Jalen Kitna ultimately remained with the program amid a coaching change and despite many predictions and expectations to transfer. According to Jon Kitna, a former NFL quarterback with over a decade of playing experience, transferring never crossed his son’s mind.
“He just didn’t feel like there was any reason to leave except for because the world thinks the transfer portal is a new toy to play with,” his father, Jon said. “That’s just not the way we operate in our house. That never came up for us. Again, not really concerned with all that’s happening around us and what’s happening around him, and what’s happening around the program. He feels like the Lord has a plan for his life there. It’s bigger than just football.”
This mentality and will to stay at a school that had constant change and slim opportunities for early playing time come from Jalen’s faith and relationship with God, according to his father.
Many people tried to explain Arch Manning's QB skills as a product of his genes; I never bought into that. Physical skills can be & often are a product of our DNA, but don't see the mental aspects of playing QB being Hereditable.
BUT, if I'm wrong, then Jalen Kitna has the same thing going for him ! If nothing else, he has the stick-to-it-ness of Kyle Trask.
QB room at UF small enough there is NO EXCUSE for Napier, or whoever coaches QBs, not spending time with Kitna & Brown to get them to where they need to be to compete on a level playing field.
NOTE - according to Jon Kitna, Napier and offensive analyst Ryan O’Hara have spent some time with Jalen.
Specifically, Kitna said his son has made minor changes in his throwing motion and grip that increased the revolutions per minute in his throws.
All I (Jon) do is talk about the reps he does get. ‘How’d they go? How do you feel about them? How can we get better?’ He’s (Jalen) gotten better this offseason.”
Again, in case I'm wrong, they can work with Mr. 13-for-23 for 121 yards & an end zone interception too !
Hoping it works out !
Read More Below
https://insidethegators.com/redshirt-report-kitna-will-battle-for-backup-job/
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