Kentucky offensive tackle makes huge decision about football future
Kentucky offensive tackle Darian Kinnard is going pro.
Kinnard took to Twitter to announce he’s declaring for the NFL Draft. He was a two-time first team All-SEC nominee and earned All-American honors this past season for the Wildcats.
He explained his decision in a letter to Big Blue Nation on Tuesday.
“BBN- you do it best!” Kinnard wrote in a post on Twitter. “My heartfelt appreciation for the continuous support and involvement of our fans! Your presence both in person and in ‘game-day spirit’ has been incredible and motivated me on many levels. … This said, I am humble by my blessings and honored to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft.
“Again, I am truly grateful for each and every one of you and for this amazing opportunity. Thank you, all.”
Kinnard was the highest-graded offensive tackle in the SEC this past year, according to Pro Football Focus, and was one of three Power Five tackles to grade as an 85 or better as a run and pass blocker. He led Kentucky with 30 knockdown blocks and only allowed one sack in 375 snaps this season.
Kentucky went 10-3 overall and 5-3 in SEC play this season. The Wildcats earned an appearance in the Citrus Bowl, where they defeated Iowa 20-17 on New Year’s Day.
Kentucky defensive back Tyrell Ajian announces intentions for 2022 season
Kentucky senior defensive back Tyrell Ajian announced is coming back to the Wildcats for one more season, he said via his Twitter page.
“Big Blue Nation, I want to start this off by thanking everyone who’s been along for the ride,” Ajian wrote. “From my family, to my brothers on the field, and all my coaches. You have all been a huge part in who I am and who I’m becoming. I can’t thank you all enough for that.
“With that being said, I have decided to come back to Kentucky for one more year. Returning will allow me to grow and develop more on and off the field. There are also goals I want to achieve for myself and for the team. Run It Back.”
In the 2021 season, Ajian had 46 tackles, one interception — which was a 95-yard pick six against Chattanooga — and four pass breakups. His season-high for tackles came on Oct. 2 against the Florida Gators, when he racked up eight.
In four seasons after redshirting with the Wildcats in 2017, Ajian snatched four interceptions in his career — one in each season. During his entire Kentucky career, he tallied 121 career tackles.