By GERARD WELLBROCK
Hays Post

After spending the last four seasons on the Fort Hays State basketball court, Kyler Kinnamon is taking a shot at college football.

He said the thought of playing football entered his mind last fall while watching his younger brother Jace play at McPherson High School.

“I just was watching him and (realized), man, I really miss that a lot” he said following the Tigers scrimmage on Thursday. “I did a little bit of research and figured out a way that you get an extra semester or two of eligibility and said, ‘Heck, I might as well if I don’t have anything else to do.’ ”

Kinnamon was the Tigers starting point guard the last three seasons and played in 120 games over his four years. He finished with the fourth most assists in school history and was named honorable mention All-MIAA following his senior season.

In addition to being an All-State basketball player, Kinnamon was a standout on the football field at MHS, where he played quarterback, wide receiver, running back and defensive back. When he graduated in 2015, he held the school’s single-season record for rushing yards (1,662) and was second in Bullpup history in career passing yards (4,354).

Kinnamon said it’s been an adjustment making the move from the basketball court to the football field.

“It’s a lot more physical out here. You’re out in the sun a lot, practices are a lot longer, you’re dealing with the elements,” he said. “It’s been really fun, and I love these guys. I’m having a blast with it.”

Kinnamon joins an already deep receiving corps that returns starters Harley Hazlett, Layne Bieberle and Andrew Jay as well as Dandre Reed and Manny Ramsey, who also saw significant playing time a year ago.

“They’ve been incredible in helping me out. If I’m lined up wrong, Coach McCray helps me out” Kinnamon said. “We’re in the film room every single day, and they’ve all been awesome and supportive.”