Darian Kinnard officially declares for 2022 NFL Draft
What everyone has long assumed was officially confirmed on Tuesday morning: Darian Kinnard is entering the 2022 NFL Draft.
Kentucky’s All-American offensive tackle was long expected to make the leap to the pros, as he’s currently projected as a second-round pick at the worst. Statistically, Kinnard graded out as one of the nation’s top offensive linemen across the country in 2021, leading all of college football in run-blocking, according to PFF.
I am grateful for this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation towards the University of Kentucky and our BIG BLUE NATION.
These last four years with you have provided many of the greatest experiences and memories of a lifetime. Coach Stoops, thank you for being a players-first coach. You have gone above-and-beyond for myself and this team. It has been an honor to rep the BLUE and WHITE. Returning for a fourth season was truly the greatest decision made. Thank you for everything.
To John Schlarman and Vince Marrow, I am grateful for recruitment into this incredible program. More than that, however, I cherish the unwavering support, love, and belief in me consistently demonstrated. The Schlarman family and Vince Marrow each have mine in return. Thank you for making me a better man #ForTheTeam through your example.
There are so many trainers, staff, and contributing personnel to whom I owe an immense debt of gratitude. I will continue to work hard building on all you have provided and aspire to make you all proud through my efforts both on and off the field. To my teammates, it has been an honor to play alongside you. Our trials and tribulations as individuals and as a team have been brutal and also beautiful. I sincerely hope I have positively influenced and contributed to each of you as you have to me. You all have impacted me greatly and our time and experiences together are invaluable. BBN- you do it best! 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.
GO BIG BLUE!
This said, I am humbled 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.
Darian Kinnard via Twitter: @Darian_70
Kinnard, who was tabbed as a consensus All-American this past season, is set to play in the Reese’s Senior Bowl on Saturday, Feb. 5. The 6-foot-5, 345-pound OT will suit up for the American Team alongside Wildcat teammates Yusuf Corker, Josh Paschal, and Luke Fortner. That game will kickoff at 2:30 p.m. EST on the NFL Network.
The Knoxville, TN native will leave Lexington as arguably the program’s all-time greatest offensive tackle. Kinnard came to UK as a four-star recruit and quickly lived up to the billing, playing in nine games as a freshman (including two starts) before moving into a full-time starting position as a sophomore. Across his career at Kentucky, he anchored what has famously become known as the Big Blue Wall, leaving the offensive line in better shape than when he first arrived.
Congrats to Darian on a terrific college career. The Big Blue Nation is already looking forward to watching you play on Sundays.
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