Darian Kinnard named First Team All-American by CBS Sports/247 Sports

Add another preseason All-American nod to Darian Kinnard’s growing list of accolades. Today, CBS Sports/247 Sports named Kentucky’s star offensive lineman to its Preseason All-American First Team. Tyler Linderbaum (Iowa), Evan Neal (Alabama), Thayer Munford (Ohio State), and Kenyon Green (Texas A&M) make up the rest of the offensive line.

Kentucky was among the most run-heavy offenses in the SEC a season ago and success on the ground is simply not possible without excellent offensive line play. The Wildcats got that from Kinnard, who has made 26 consecutive starts at tackle and was a first-team All-SEC pick in 2020. 

Clint Buckley, 247 Sports

USA Today, Athlon Sports, Sporting News, Walter Camp, and Pro Football Focus also named Kinnard First Team All-American this summer. 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.

Darian Kinnard moving back to “natural” fit at right tackle

Yesterday, we found out Kinnard is moving back to his old position of right tackle to make room for Dare Rosenthal at left tackle. Although left tackle is typically the most lucrative offensive line position at the next level, Liam Coen is confident Kinnard will make money no matter what.

“Rob Havenstein in Los Angeles got paid a lot of money to play right tackle. It’s so important,” Kentucky’s offensive coordinator said Tuesday. “Obviously, the left tackle is the money man, but you’re going to try to put matchups on the right tackle to get those one-on-ones so that guy’s gotta be very strong and elite. I think Darian recognizes that and he knows he can play at a high level and play fast playing at right.”

“I think Darian has already established that he’s one of the best tackles in the game,” said Eric Wolford, Kentucky’s new offensive line coach. “Right tackle is natural for him.”