Darian Kinnard Named ESPN Preseason All-American

The senior offensive tackle has started in 26 consecutive games for the Cats

LEXINGTON, Ky. – August 19, 2021

University of Kentucky senior offensive tackle Darian Kinnard has been named to the 26-man preseason ESPN All-America team, it was announced today.

Kinnard, a 6-foot-5, 338-pound offensive lineman from Knoxville, Tennessee, has been graded by Pro Football Focus as college football’s top run-blocking tackle for 2021. With the addition of left tackle and LSU transfer Dare Rosenthal to the squad this summer, Kinnard is slated to remain in the right tackle spot.

The senior has seen action in 33 career games with 26 consecutive starts and in 2020, he graded at 88 percent in 10 regular season games with 40 knockdown blocks and 138 blocks at the point of attack at right tackle.

Also this preseason, Kinnard was named a preseason first-team All-American by Athlon Sports, USA Today, Walter Camp and Pro Football Focus, and was a preseason second-team All-America choice by Phil Steele. Additionally, he was named first-team All-Southeastern Conference by Athlon Sports, Media, Phil Steele and Walter Camp. He also is on the watch list for the Outland Trophy, given to the nation’s top interior lineman on offense or defense in college football, and the Reese’s Senior Bowl.