When Grambling State quarterback DeVante Kincade steps onto the Georgia Dome field Saturday for the second Celebration Bowl, he knows his mom will be watching.
“It feels like a dream because I remember this time last year I was in my room wishing for an opportunity to show what I can do,” Kincade said. “It is a blessing at the end of the day, so I am happy.”
Latonya Boyd, Kincade’s mother, has been an inspiration for the Tigers’ signal-caller. In 2014, she suffered a stroke and had blood clots in her legs. The aliments hospitalized her for three-to-four months. During that time, Kincade was playing at Ole Miss and made long trips to see his mom.
The hospital visits weren’t easy on Kincade. He would drive 16-plus hours round trip to spend time with Boyd. His family situation led to a decision to leave Ole Miss.
In 2016, Kincade made it official and transferred to Grambling to be closer to his family. The move cut down the trip time to a few hours from the school in Grambling, La., near Ruston, to the Dallas area.
“It is three-and-half hours,” Kincade said. “It could be Friday after workouts, and I get on the road to go home just because I can. I got used to it now, and it is awesome.”
On Thursday, Kincade said his mom now doing well. He said she will watch on TV as he leads Grambling against North Carolina Central on television.
“She is doing good and back to 100 percent,” Kincade said. “She is working now and coming to the games. I am really happy and that was the main thing I was worried about. It was the first thing that was on my mind period.”
Boyd’s good health has also helped Kincade become better player on the field.
Kincade has led Grambling to a 10-1 record and their 25th Southwestern Athletic Conference championship. His performance earned him the SWAC Offensive Player of the Year award as he threw for 2864 yards and 29 touchdowns.
“(Boyd) being healthy helped me play 10 times harder,” Kincade said. “Just knowing that she is back healthy and me being able to play for Grambling has helped me.”
Grambling State coach Broderick Fobbs has noticed the change in Kincade’s play. He has been impressed with his decision-making to get his teammates into and out of the correct plays.
“I think he has done a tremendous job at developing as a passer and understanding the scheme,” Fobbs said. “At the end of the day, our quarterback is meant to be a point guard and distribute the ball to the playmakers to allow them to score with the football. That is what he has been able to do this year and get accomplished.”
In the SWAC championship, it was Kincade’s decision-making that helped Grambling overcome a 17-0 deficit to defeat Alcorn State. His 29-yard touchdown to wide receiver Verlan Hunter kick-started a 27-3 run that won the game.
However, it was also his passing efficiency that helped the Tigers maintain long drives in the comeback. It was something he worked on in the offseason and hopes to take into the Celebration Bowl.
“I worked on decision-making as I always wanted to be the best as far as passing efficiency,” Kincade said. “I always wanted to come out and throw 30-for-30 (completions-for-attempts) and 400 yards. This was always my dream as I try to reach for the highest.”
Against a tough North Carolina Central defense, Kincade has a chance to continue his play in a big game. He said it won’t be easy, but calls the game a challenge he is ready to take on.
“When I was in the Peach Bowl with Ole Miss, I really didn’t get to play that much in the Georgia Dome,” Kincade said. “Now I am about to be the starter in the Georgia Dome and go through the whole process. I am excited as I love the moment and the big crowd. It gives me the drive to play harder because I know people are watching.”
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