The spring football window brings a lot of new elements for freshman quarterback Joaquin Kavouklis, including a transfer to Tarpon Springs after a breakout season at Clearwater (Fla.) International Academy last fall (Florida) High School.
One of the comforting factors for the THS Class of 2027 is that it has long been considered home and is where his father played.
On Monday, another familiar school partnered with Kavouklis and offered a scholarship from UCF. The in-state program made the jump some 30 years after Emmanuel Kavouklis played for the Knights. The young passer’s father played offensive lineman in college for the likes of Daunte Culpepper and Darrin Hinshaw, who extended an offer to a potential future University of Central Florida quarterback.
“Really like the atmosphere there, Coach Hinshaw is my favorite coach,” Kavoklis told Rivals.
The family spent time at the University of Central Florida earlier this spring, and the young arm’s first impression of the campus was a strong one as a recruit.
“This is amazing!” he said. “The facilities are great and the overall atmosphere is perfect. Their program and coaching staff are definitely going to continue to improve.”
“It’s something that must be investigated.”
The University of Central Florida joined Arkansas on the early offer list for Kavoklis, although many other programs have shown increasing interest.
For Emmanuel, it was a complete moment that the family won’t soon forget.
“It’s pretty cool considering it came from the same guy I protected 30 years ago,” he said. “Hinshaw is still the same, competitive and brutally honest. He’s definitely a guy who can cultivate and A coach who pushes his quarterback.”
“A lot of things have changed there, and it’s impressive where they’re going.”
Facing a national schedule as a freshman in 2023, junior Kavoklis threw for nearly 1,600 yards and double-digit touchdowns. He also performed well at the Rivals Camp Series in Miami in April.
