Senior Spotlight: Returning to Kentucky was the best decision Darian Kinnard's ever made

Darian Kinnard could have spent the 2021 football season cashing checks in the National Football League. Instead the All-American right tackle returned for one more year on the Big Blue Wall. He regrets nothing.

“I think it was the best decision I’ve made so far,” Kinnard told KSR earlier this week. “Just another great decision, coming in finishing my senior year, playing with my boys and I think it’s playing out pretty well so far. I wish we could’ve pulled another win or two out here and there, but other than that, I feel like it’s probably the best decision I’ve made personally too.”

Kinnard’s decision occurred in the middle of uncertain times. The worldwide pandemic was raging, the UK offense was changing and he was reeling from the loss of his mentor. Returning to Lexington for one more season felt right. Ever since, the right tackle has made all of the right moves.

Kinnard Improves Draft Stock

Kinnard gained fame by mauling opponents, particularly in the 2019 season. He got downhill in a hurry, opening up running lanes for Lynn Bowden to rack up just shy of 1,500 yards in half a season of football. Since then Kinnard has consistently been one of PFF’s highest graded run-blockers in the country, but it lacked fanfare on the passing end.

You could not question Kinnard’s pass-blocking abilities because you rarely saw them. Liam Coen entered the picture with Will Levis and UK’s passing took flight, thanks to some protection from the big guy. Kentucky has allowed 17 sacks all season and Kinnard is the only blocker in America ranked in the top ten in run and pass blocking. His game has improved in that aspect, but that’s not where he sees the most significant difference in his game.

“I think a lot of it has to do with pass game and a mentality too, in terms of wanting to come out here and practice,” said Kinnard. “Some days last year I came out here and just kind of went through the motions, not really have energy, especially later in the season when I’m all beat up. I learned how to practice like a professional, coming out here with the right mentality, even if you don’t have the energy, fake it till you make it. It kind of rubs off on people and brings people up.”

Family Affair

Kinnard is an Outland Trophy semifinalist and likely a postseason All-American. His success would not be possible without the support of the strong women in his life. Raised in Knoxville by his mother, Mandy Headrick, along with his grandmother and great-grandmother, they laid the foundation for him to succeed at Cleveland’s St. Ignatius High School and earn a scholarship at the University of Kentucky.

“My biggest supporter is definitely my mother,” Darian said. “Every decision has been talked about, every possibility has been weighed, especially with her. I wouldn’t be in this position without her, most definitely, and I don’t think I’d be the type of person I am without her making and having big decisions in my life. Talking with her is a big part of that.”

In addition to his rock of a mother, John Schlarman acted as Kinnard’s father. The offensive line coach made him the man he is today. Kinnard didn’t just say those lines at Schlarman’s memorial service last November. He’s still living by the lessons he learned from his coach.

“He was the biggest inspiration to a lot of us o-linemen,” said DK. “We can’t really complain no more, especially after what happened to him. We can’t complain about being sore, beat up, because it’s always a constant reminder in the back of your head, ‘Hey man, he’s been through a lot more and still came out here.'”

Kinnard went though hell in the middle of the season. He bruised his knee against LSU, drained the fluid and played through the bye week. At the University of Kentucky he learned to love the game of football, the best decision he’s ever made.

“I couldn’t image myself going at least a day without football,” said Kinnard. “Everyday I come out there, take it day by day and just thank God I have the ability to do this and a lot of people don’t.”

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