As a true freshman, Kamden Sixkiller rose from fifth on the depth chart to become the starting quarterback at McNeese State.

Last season, he played in the final three games, starting two. It was true baptism under fire.

That all came at the end of a lost season and few took much notice as Sixkiller began his apprenticeship. 

“It was an experience,” said Sixkiller. “I got a chance to learn.”

Now a redshirt freshman, Sixkiller has been handed the keys to the Cowoby car after starter Clifton McDowell was ruled out for the season. McDowell will have surgery on his throwing hand next week.

“You always hate to lose your starter but I feel we are in a good place with Six,” said head coach Gary Goff. “Six is the guy. I do think he is the future, I really do.”

Goff and the Cowboys are counting on that.

Sixkiller will make his first official start as the future of McNeese Saturday when the Cowboys host Texas A&M-Commerce. Ironically, the game will come on Sixkiller’s 20th birthday.

It will be his fourth start of the season and sixth of his career. He is still looking for his first win but feels ready after all he’s been through.

“I’m a lot more comfortable after all I have been through,” said Sixkiller. “I feel a lot more prepared this time.”

Sixkiller has had his highs and lows this season. He has connected on 78 of his 141 passes for 829 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.

His first start this season came against the toughest opponents, Texas A&M, the 10th-ranked FBS team in the nation. That’s learning on the job.

“You always got to be ready,” Sixkiller said. “I don’t think much changes now.

“Last year I went from fifth-string and getting hardly any reps in practice to start. I got my opportunity now I get another one.”

Now, he wants to make the most of these chances, show what he has learned, and prove that he can be the program’s future.

“Every game you have something to learn,” Sixkiller said. 

He would also like to get his first win, that would be a great start to his new job.