Miami Hurricanes safety Kamren Kinchens spoke to media after the first day of fall camp, discussing the team's prospects, his leadership role, and the defense's readiness for the upcoming season. As the team's experienced All-American, Kinchens expressed his excitement about the start of fall camp and the challenges that lie ahead.
"I think it went good, you know, a little rusty with certain things, but that's how the first day always is," Kinchens said about the team's initial practice.
The Miami Northwestern HS product Kinchens also touched on the offense's improved firepower, acknowledging that the high-octane attack would test the defense on the practice field. "Getting new looks and taking the top off teams, it's gonna be something we're gonna need to practice," he stated.
Speaking about the chemistry in the secondary, Kinchens highlighted the blend of young and older players, observing the positive dynamic as they start to gel together during the early days of fall camp. "Bunch of young guys and older guys kind of mixing in one with two, one, two, threes," he said.
One play that caught everyone's attention during practice was a well-timed interception by Ja’dais Richard, after missing two previous attempts. Kinchens showed some tough love for Richard on the play. "We were very excited for that one because he missed two before that, so yeah, he owed us two," Kinchens revealed with a smile.
With several unproven players and transfers in the secondary, Kinchens acknowledged his role in helping develop reliable backups and supporting other safeties. He recognizes that they push him to improve, and he reciprocates by assisting them to reach their potential. "Whatever I'm doing, I gotta make sure I'm bringing them along," he said, demonstrating his continued leadership abilities.
As an upperclassman, Kinchens admitted that he feels a little extra confidence and respect from his teammates. This experience enables him to lead more effectively, ensuring accountability and fostering a culture where players can speak up and address concerns without hesitation. "You got a little more respect, not to say that the Freshman can't say nothing, but it's more like when you got that experience under your belt," he explained.
A significant part of Coach Guidry's approach is fostering an environment of accountability, something that Kinchens appreciates. "We are holding each other way more accountable," he remarked.
When asked about the difference in the team's attitude compared to the first day of practice last year, Kinchens was cautious in his response, noting that excitement and energy are typically high on the first day. Only time will tell if this year's team exhibits a different demeanor throughout the season. "I can't really say the difference because I guess the first day of everything, you know, you're gonna be excited, everybody's gonna have that energy," he reflected, displaying a level-headed approach.
Regarding Coach Guidry's impact as the third defensive coordinator Kinchens has worked with, he stated that it is still too early to draw comparisons. Every coach brings their strengths and weaknesses, and it is during the games that the true mettle of the defense will be tested. "All of them are good, you know, it's too early to really tell. You know, when you're kind of installing everything, everything looks good, and it is good, so we could still like pros and cons with every coach," he explained, showing his understanding of the coaching dynamic.
"I think it went good, you know, a little rusty with certain things, but that's how the first day always is," Kinchens said about the team's initial practice.
The Miami Northwestern HS product Kinchens also touched on the offense's improved firepower, acknowledging that the high-octane attack would test the defense on the practice field. "Getting new looks and taking the top off teams, it's gonna be something we're gonna need to practice," he stated.
Speaking about the chemistry in the secondary, Kinchens highlighted the blend of young and older players, observing the positive dynamic as they start to gel together during the early days of fall camp. "Bunch of young guys and older guys kind of mixing in one with two, one, two, threes," he said.
One play that caught everyone's attention during practice was a well-timed interception by Ja’dais Richard, after missing two previous attempts. Kinchens showed some tough love for Richard on the play. "We were very excited for that one because he missed two before that, so yeah, he owed us two," Kinchens revealed with a smile.
With several unproven players and transfers in the secondary, Kinchens acknowledged his role in helping develop reliable backups and supporting other safeties. He recognizes that they push him to improve, and he reciprocates by assisting them to reach their potential. "Whatever I'm doing, I gotta make sure I'm bringing them along," he said, demonstrating his continued leadership abilities.
As an upperclassman, Kinchens admitted that he feels a little extra confidence and respect from his teammates. This experience enables him to lead more effectively, ensuring accountability and fostering a culture where players can speak up and address concerns without hesitation. "You got a little more respect, not to say that the Freshman can't say nothing, but it's more like when you got that experience under your belt," he explained.
A significant part of Coach Guidry's approach is fostering an environment of accountability, something that Kinchens appreciates. "We are holding each other way more accountable," he remarked.
When asked about the difference in the team's attitude compared to the first day of practice last year, Kinchens was cautious in his response, noting that excitement and energy are typically high on the first day. Only time will tell if this year's team exhibits a different demeanor throughout the season. "I can't really say the difference because I guess the first day of everything, you know, you're gonna be excited, everybody's gonna have that energy," he reflected, displaying a level-headed approach.
Regarding Coach Guidry's impact as the third defensive coordinator Kinchens has worked with, he stated that it is still too early to draw comparisons. Every coach brings their strengths and weaknesses, and it is during the games that the true mettle of the defense will be tested. "All of them are good, you know, it's too early to really tell. You know, when you're kind of installing everything, everything looks good, and it is good, so we could still like pros and cons with every coach," he explained, showing his understanding of the coaching dynamic.
