Graham embraces re-earned role as UTPB starting quarterback

MCKINNEY, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – UTPB quarterback Dylan Graham is finally getting another shot. After starting for the Falcons in 2022 under the former coaching regime, Graham took a backseat to breakout transfer Kenny Hrncir, who came to Odessa with new head coach Kris McCullough.

But now that Hrncir’s playing days are over, he will serve as the Falcons’ offensive coordinator, giving Graham another shot.

“In today’s world, you don’t have Dylan Grahams. I told Dylan in the first team meeting, Kenny Hrncir will be our starting quarterback, and I wanted to red-shirt him and develop him. He did just that and bought into it,” McCullough said.

In the 2023 season with Hrncir under center, the Falcons won their first-ever Lone Star Conference championship, going undefeated at 8-0 in conference play, and had a program-best 10-2 overall record. Hrncir had a great season, throwing for 2,878 yards and 38 total touchdowns.

While Hrncir was dominating, Graham watched from the sidelines, waiting for his next opportunity.

“I’m looking forward to getting back on the field and being with this family, brotherhood, and this group of guys. Hopefully going back [to the conference championship] and repeating and going even farther in the playoffs,” Graham said.

Now, Graham gets to continue to learn from Hrncir. But rather than a starter-backup relationship, it will be a player-coach relationship.

McCullough has high hopes for Graham in his final season. “The kid is just a stud in everything he does, and I would be shocked if he didn’t have the same, if not better, production this year than Kenny did last year.”

“I could see that the culture was going to be different and I’m happy it ended up working out. At the end of the day I got to see them win a ring and I know what it takes to win, and now I can implement that into this season,” Graham said.

The Falcons open the regular season against Western New Mexico on Aug. 31st at Ratliff Stadium in Odessa.

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