Darian Kinnard named Second Team All-American by Associated Press

The Associated Press released its Preseason All-American Teams this morning and a familiar name is on the list. Kentucky senior Darian Kinnard is one of two tackles on the Second Team alongside Ohio State’s Thayer Munford. Alabama’s Evan Neal and Texas A&M’s Kenyon Green made the First Team at the tackle position.

Today’s honor is the latest preseason accolade for Darian Kinnard. ESPN, CBS Sports/247 Sports, USA Today, Athlon Sports, Sporting News, Walter Camp, and Pro Football Focus named Kinnard First Team All-American. PFF included him on their list of the 50 best players in all of college football. He is also on the watch list for the Outland Trophy, presented annually to the top interior lineman on either side of the ball.

Last week, Kinnard moved back to his old position of right tackle, swapping spots with LSU transfer Dare Rosenthal. Even though left tackle is typically a more lucrative position in the NFL, offensive line coach Eric Wolford said Kinnard made the move without hesitation.

“One thing about Darian is he’s a team-first guy. I think when you’ve been through so many practices, we’re four, five, six practices in, you see the same things that we see as coaches as far as who’s the best five we can put on the field at one time and what’s the best positions for them when we can play at the highest level early. We don’t have time to learn on the job. We’ve gotta be good now. Coach Stoops has talked this week about being game-ready. That move was best for the football team and that’s what we’re about.”