Darian Kinnard reels in more All-American honors

Darian Kinnard is Kentucky’s Captain America. In the last 24 hours the UK offensive tackle has picked up three more All-American honors.

Elected by the Football Writers Association of America, Kinnard was named Walter Camp First Team All-American. It’s one of the handful of entities that gives an individual consensus All-American status. He’s the 12th player in program history to make the Walter Camp All-American team and the third Wildcat in four years, following Josh Allen and Max Duffy.

Kinnard was a second team selection by two different media outlets, The Athletic and Pro Football Focus. Wan’Dale Robinson joined Kinnard on PFF’s All-American second team.

Before I share each player’s season stats, let’s recap the lengthy list of postseason awards for Kinnard and Robinson.

Postseason Awards for Kinnard:
First-Team All-America (CBS Sports, Senior Bowl)
Second-Team All-America (PFF, The Athletic)
First-Team All-SEC (PFF, Coaches, AP)
2021 Jacobs Blocking Trophy
 
Postseason Awards for Robinson:
Second-Team All-America (PFF)
First-Team All-SEC (PFF)
Second-Team All-SEC (Coaches, AP)

In 2021 Kinnard had 30 knockdown blocks and only one sack in 375 pass plays. PFF evaluated Kinnard as one of only three Power Five tackles to grade at 85 or better as both a run and pass blocker.

Robinson set a single-season receptions record at Kentucky by catching 94 passes for 1,164 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He is Mark Stoops’ first 1,000-yard receiver at Kentucky with the second most in a single season in UK history.