Darian Kinnard (UK Athletics Photo)
Darian Kinnard has been rated as the top returning offensive lineman in the Southeastern Conference by Pro Football Focus after earning All-American honors playing right tackle last season. He’s moving to left tackle this year to fill the vacated spot of Landon Young, a sixth-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in the recent NFL Draft.
Changing positions is not always an easy task but no one at UK seems concerned about Kinnard’s ability to make the switch — and he is not worried, either.
“I was recruited there (to play left tackle) and my freshman year I rotated back and forth (between tackle spots),” Kinnard said. “It feels good seeing a visual image of the whole field. I feel comfortable (at left tackle). I just have to get used to it again.”
He said during spring practice he would sometimes hear a play call and take the same steps he would at right tackle before realizing he was at left tackle.
“I have got to learn how to take better angles. It’s a little adjustment but I will keep getting more comfortable with it,” Kinnard said.
He also found out in the spring that new offensive coordinator Liam Coen had a “pretty complicated” playbook.
“I wouldn’t say it is as complicated as an NFL-style playbook. They are in the big league,” Kinnard said. “It is more complicated (than what UK has had) but it is a great playbook.”
Kinnard has also had to adjust to having a new offensive line coach, Eric Wolford, after playing his first three seasons for John Schlarman.
“He’s a very exciting guy to play for. Great character, great role model,” the UK All-American said. “He wants to give all he can on the field every day. It’s good to have a guy like that. He’s a great teacher and wants to make sure we have what we need to succeed. He knows everybody that plays in college wants to go to the league (NFL) and will do his best to get you there.”
