Future Gators QB Jalen Kitna finally feeling at home
BURLESON, Texas (BVM) — Four years of high school, four different schools. A commitment to Boston College, and then a decommitment. Now, finally, Jalen Kitna believes he has found the right fit, both at the University of Florida upon graduation, and Burleson High School for his senior year.
Kitna, the son of 16-year NFL quarterback Jon Kitna, has had quite the atypical high school experience. As a sophomore, Jalen was 6-foot-3 and weighed just 155 pounds. His reliance on the pro-style offense and knowledge of the playbook made him a perfect fit for Boston College. But after some re-staffing and a growth spurt, Jalen envisioned new opportunities.
“Since my sophomore year I’ve put on 40 pounds. My sophomore year I ran a 5-something 40-yard dash and now I run a 4.7 40,” Jalen said. “…I guess the reason I decommitted is because I saw the new me. I know I’ll be able to make more plays with my legs and arm.”
After reopening his options, the Florida Gators became the favorite. With two-time BCS National Champion coach Dan Mullen at the helm, alongside quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson, Jalen knew that Gainesville was the place for him.
The future Gator noted the program’s ability to develop their players, stating specifically the evolution of current starting QB Kyle Trask. Trask was a reserve up until his junior year, and when his number was called, he came through. In 2019, he had 2,941 passing yards and 25 touchdowns. The Gators finished their season 11-2 overall, knocking off the Virginia Cavaliers in the Capital One Orange Bowl.
“No matter where you are on the depth chart, it’s a place of excellence,” Jalen said. “They will make me the best that I can be no matter where I am on the depth chart. … I have a lot of trust in coach Mullen, and he has a lot of proof that he can do things right.”
But before his time in Florida can become a reality, he has a senior year of high school to complete. And at last, the newest Burleson High Elk feels like he’s in the right spot. His dad Jon will be a first-year head coach at Burleson, and together they will lead the team that went 6-4 last season.
Having a dad that was in the NFL and is now your high school coach can definitely have it’s perks.
“The way he has trained me and raised me, it’s to do everything with greatness, but he also gives me tips and tricks on confidence and taking a leadership position. I’m already loving it,” Jalen said of his dad being his coach.
However, after many years of movement and trying to find the right fits, Jalen’s primary goal for the season isn’t to win a championship, or be first team all-state. His goal is to simply be a great teammate.
“I just want to grow as close as I can to my teammates. I love the dudes that we have at my school; we have a lot of real dudes here,” Jalen said. “I’ve been to four high schools in four years, and I want to make sure I really get that experience of having brothers that I get to play next to every down. I want to love up on them as much as possible.”
Expect him to do more of the same when he makes the move to Gainesville.
“I just want to be somebody that’s a light to that program,” Jalen said. “It’s always been my goal to be a light to people. I’m always going to spread positivity and make sure I do my part to make the team better.”
