The Shoe factory: The secret behind Texas State football's offensive line development

San Antonio-based Texas State football head coach GJ Kinne recognizes the difficulty of facing Incarnate Word, a team he well understands. The upcoming match against the Incarnate Word Bobcats is set for 5 p.m. on Saturday in San Marcos. Kinne's ties to Incarnate Word extend beyond his past involvement at UIW and his friendship with current head coach Clint Killough. The foundation of the Bobcats' offense can be traced back to San Antonio, even before Kinne's appointment as Texas State's coach in 2021.

Jordan Shoemaker, Texas State's offensive line coach and run game coordinator, and strength and conditioning coach Bret Huth, were both employees of Incarnate Word from 2018 to 2021. Kinne consulted with both when making his hiring decision in 2021, acknowledging their critical role in the team's success.

The offensive line development at Texas State is often considered the least noticeable aspect of their achievements during Kinne's tenure. Players like Nash Jones, Dorion Strawn, Emeka Obigbo, and Caleb Johnson joined the team in 2023 as Shoemaker's initial class, while Alex Harkey transferred from Colorado. Jones and Harkey left the team in 2025, with Obigbo and Strawn departing this offseason, along with 2024 recruit Brock Riker, who committed to Penn State. Despite the constant turnover, the defensive line's performance remains consistent.

Shoemaker and Huth possess a unique ability to identify talent and develop players into multi-year starters. Sully Burns, who emerged at right tackle in 2025 and transitioned to the left side in 2026, along with transfers Mikel Udengwu, William Boone, and Rasheed Jackson, as well as recruits Justin DeLeon and Bamidele Badusi, are the latest beneficiaries of Shoemaker's transformative abilities. The group has given up only one sack this season and Texas State is averaging 262.3 rushing yards.

Kinne credits Shoemaker's success to his meticulous approach, which is heavily influenced by Jeff Stoutland, a renowned NFL offensive line coach. With a background in the NFL, Kinne gained valuable experience working under Stoutland during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles. Kinne emphasizes the importance of size and fundamentals, with the team's starters weighing an average of 330 pounds, among the heaviest in the nation.

Fundamental skills such as hand fighting, lateral movement, and conditioning are emphasized, while Huth is responsible for transforming physical assets into functional strength and athleticism.