The Hurricanes have been playing without one of their key leaders for the past two games.
Safety Kamren Kinchens suffered a scary injury at the end of Miami’s win against Texas A&M. He was taken to the hospital, released the next day and cleared of any major injury. The junior All-American is poised to return to the field in Miami’s ACC opener against Georgia Tech on Saturday.
In his first time speaking to the media since the injury, Kinchens said he was “nervous” when he was on the ground but was moved by fans’ and teammates’ reactions.
“Just got a little shaken up, was just down on the ground,” Kinchens said. “I remember everything that happened. Just tried to make a routine play, and just got I guess a little whiplash to the head. That was pretty much about it. I was kind of nervous on the field and stuff like that, but seeing all the fans rooting for me and my teammates showing me love, everything was good.”
The Hurricanes declined to specify what Kinchens’ specific injury was, and the star safety did not say either. But his quick return should help Miami against a Georgia Tech passing attack ranked 17th in the nation entering this week’s game.
“We’re all thankful that Kam’s OK and he’s healthy,” wide receiver Xavier Restrepo said. “Brings a lot of energy to the team, and we’re just very glad that he’s going to be taking the field with us this week.”
Kinchens said he is excited to get back on the field. The junior safety played in all 24 games his freshman and sophomore seasons, so having to sit out was a strange experience for him.
“If I was able to, I’d have been out there for the Bethune-Cookman game,” Kinchens said. “I don’t like missing games. It was the first games I’ve missed since I was little. Honestly, I didn’t miss any games in high school or the two years before. It was kind of a rough patch, missing those games, because I kind of pride myself on making sure I’m playing through whatever. But it’s a lot of excitement to be back out there with my family.”
However, being on the sidelines did help give him a new perspective, Kinchens said. He traveled with the team to Philadelphia for Miami’s win over Temple, though he did not play.
“It was kind of like an eye-opener,” Kinchens said. “You kind of sometimes take stuff for granted. I don’t take the game for granted, but (defensive coordinator Lance) Guidry always says that it could always be your last game, so go out there and give it your all. It kind of put in perspective after watching the guys.”
Fortunately for the Hurricanes, redshirt freshman Jaden Harris stepped in and performed admirably in Kinchens’ spot. The second-year defensive back had four tackles in the last two games and earned praise from teammates and coaches alike.
“I didn’t see a drop-off between me and him being out there,” Kinchens said.
Said safety James Williams: “I want to give a shoutout to Jaden Harris. What an incredible job he did, backing Kam up. Obviously, Kam got hurt, so it was amazing seeing Jaden Harris step up and seeing Kam push him to be to the top of his potential and to take his spot as he was down for a couple weeks.”
Kinchens, a Miami native, spent some time during the Hurricanes’ off week giving back to the South Florida community. He and several teammates brought food to needy people in Miami’s Overtown neighborhood.
“We just felt like it was important to give back with a little time,” Kinchens said. “Because all it takes is an hour to do that, and it ain’t hurting us and it’s only helping them.”
Now that Kinchens is back on the field, the focus returns to the gridiron. Last year, Kinchens had three interceptions against Georgia Tech, which helped solidify his All-American resume. Miami coach Mario Cristobal said the safety was eager to return, and he is back just in time for the Hurricanes’ ACC slate.
“He’s becoming one of those guys that’s just super impactful, a difference-maker in every sense of the word,” Cristobal said. “So it’s awesome having him around out there. It’s tougher for the offense because he makes plays. We want good to go on good. But I know he was chomping at the bit to get out there. Glad to see him out there, healthy.”
