Darian Kinnard (SEC Photo)
Kentucky All-American offensive tackle Darian Kinnard wanted to share “from the heart and what is on my mind” Monday when he announced rather than put his name into the NFL draft he would return to UK for a senior season. Feedback he got from NFL personnel indicated he would be a second- or third-round pick.
“I just wanted to come back and improve and make sure there were no holes in my game and no reason for me not to be a lottery pick next year,” Kinnard said.
He said it was not an easy decision and was even “weighing” on his heart the week UK played South Carolina to close out regular season play. He knew going to the NFL was a “big opportunity” for him.
“But I feel if I stay I can go higher than expected and make more money and take care of my mom from the jump and not have to wait for the next (NFL) contract,” Kinnard said.
There had been some buzz that at least one UK senior offensive lineman might take advantage of the chance to return for an extra season due to the pandemic.
When I asked Kinnard if that might happen, he paused a bit and then broke the news.
“Old man Luke Fortner will be coming back another season,” Kinnard smiled and said. “I get to play another year with the old man and teach young men. It’s a good opportunity.”
He said he had known for a “little bit” that Fortner was coming back. But while other UK teammates posted on social media what they were doing, Fortner just had Kinnard break his news.
“He is like an old man. He does not like tweet out or say much. He gave me the go ahead (to share his news) after I made my statement,” Kinnard said.
