Fall Camp Spotlight: Cameron KinnieFall Camp Spotlight: Cameron Kinnie
Christopher Pavlosky / UCF Athletics

Fall Camp Spotlight: Cameron Kinnie

by Aiden Kocol

ORLANDO -  With change all around UCF football, it's always good to have consistency in the trenches. Embarking on his fourth season with the Knights, fifth-year Cameron Kinnie has taken a heightened role in leadership as he helps usher in a new era for the Black and Gold.

With many of his teammates having moved on to a new chapter, Kinnie now stands as one of the longest-tenured members of the offensive line. Having played in 18 games throughout his time at UCF, his leadership has been vital in helping a new group of players build camaraderie and cohesion. Under the guidance of head coach Scott Frost and his staff, Kinnie has embraced a style that emphasizes freedom during practice, translating to stronger performance on game day.

"Everything's a competition, so it's a lot more fun. It's a lot better to play football when you're out there having fun instead of so, tight worried about messing up."

Cameron KinnieOn head coach Scott Frost's new coaching style
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As Kinnie works to instill the philosophy in his teammates, he continues to grow and evolve under the fun, yet success-driven style that Frost brings. Demonstrating remarkable versatility throughout fall camp, Kinnie has seamlessly rotated between center and guard, drawing on his deep understanding of the center position to inform his play across the line and effectively communicate with his teammates between plays, ensuring the offensive line stays coordinated and prepared. Kinnie has also been able to draw on Frost’s wide-zone offense, which allows him to play aggressively while remaining confident in his abilities.

Off the field, Kinnie’s drive is equally impressive. Having completed his undergraduate degree in Media Production and Management, he recently earned a master’s in Integrated Business as he looks to prepare for a future beyond football. 

"I was trying to get all my ducks in a row for when football is over. I gotta put my pads up one day, so I just need to get ready for the next step."

Cameron Kinnieon earning his first master's degree

Kinnie didn’t stop at just one academic milestone, though; he’s now eyeing a second master’s in Educational Leadership, a nod to his growing passion for mentorship and development, especially with younger teammates. 

Although Kinnie is a role model on the field, balancing support with the guidance needed to push younger teammates to their full potential, he strives to mentor them in more than just football. 

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Football_CK__112324_16274860RJ Harvey, Cameron Kinnie | Photo by: =DS=
Football_CK_4348_091424_2017378055827RJ Harvey, Cameron Kinnie | Photo by: Conor Kvatek

"I'm helping my teammates get to where they wanna go, even if it's not football, just helping the young guys figure out life in general as well"

Cameron Kinnieon his mentorship role

As he heads into his final season with the Knights, Kinnie’s focus remains clear: help the team win, and in doing so, help everyone around him succeed. 

From a Georgia national championship team to UCF, through years of dedication both on the field and in the classroom, Kinnie has set a high bar for what it means to be a Knight, a leader, a scholar, and a relentless competitor.

Kinnie plans to train for the NFL Draft after the season, but right now, all his focus is on the field and in the locker room. 

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About UCF Athletics
UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.