Darian Kinnard (UK Athletics Photo)
Would Kentucky be a better football team next year if All-American offensive lineman Darian Kinnard did not leave for the NFL and returned to UK for a senior season? Absolutely the Cats would be better because Kinnard obviously was one of the best offensive linemen in the Southeastern Conference this year and figures to be even better next year.
“I think he has had a good year and if he decides to come back he’ll be, in my opinion, he could be a consensus All-American. But where he’s at in that decision, we’re just gathering information. Darian’s been trying to talk to as many people as he can and I’ve tried to get him as much information as I can,” Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said.
“I’m waiting to get back the official written documentation from the NFL and I believe they will leave lean heavily on that information. I’m not constantly trying to persuade him one way or the other. My job is to get him as many actual facts that I can from real people, from NFL people, and not people just telling him everything he wants to hear because that’s one of the problems that happens with juniors is everybody on the street and all the agents want to tell him everything he wants to hear.
“Every player deserves that opportunity to play in the NFL and I want them to and if the time is right then then we give him every blessing, so I want to get more information. I want to get the accurate information from the NFL, give him that feedback and have him make an accurate decision for him and his family.”
Kentucky definitely will be losing center Drake Jackson and tackle Landon Young. Both are fifth-year players who are on NFL mock draft lists and have been instrumental in upgrading the UK program during their careers. Guard Luke Fortner, another senior, could see what happens with the draft or even consider returning to UK for the extra season of eligibility allowed because of COVID-19 issues this year.
Kinnard has the size, strength and experience to play in the NFL. But maybe he does like Josh Allen when he opted to stay at UK for another season and developed into a high first-round draft pick. If Kinnard returns to UK, he might be able to follow a similar path to even more NFL riches.
I believe Stoops when he says he doesn’t try to influence players. He doesn’t talk about “pushing” a player to get to the next level to pursue his dream like UK basketball coach John Calipari does. Stoops helps gather information and then let players decide what to do. Kinnard is close to his mother. He’s often talked about wanting to support her for all she’s done for him. That could be a motivating factor to play for pay next year rather than return to UK.
Whatever he does, he’s already left his mark at UK and only adds to the legacy John Schlarman left with his passing.
“I love Darian either way. I think he’s going to be a pro either way and that’s his decision,”Stoops said. “It’s my job to help get him real clean information.”
