Words cannot describe what his mother has meant to UK tackle Darian Kinnard

Darian Kinnard picked up another preseason All-American honor Wednesday. (UK Athletics Photo)

Kentucky senior offensive lineman Darian Kinnard is one of the nation’s best returning linemen. That’s why he is on the prestigious Outland Trophy Watch List for the award given to the nation’s top lineman and has been named to various preseason all-American and all-SEC teams.

But no matter how strong he is on the field, Kinnard is a softie off the field and takes great pride in being a momma’s boy. He openly talked about that at the recent SEC Media Days but has never made any secret of his appreciation/admiration for his mother.

“I don’t think I have enough time to really talk. I could take all day talking about why I love her so deeply and why she’s gotten me to this point in my life,” Kinnard said when asked about his relationship with his mother.

“She’s been there with me through thick and thin, honestly. Me being with her when stuff was just tough and we didn’t know how we were going to make it to the next day. Just now, looking back and seeing all the stuff we’ve been through, the words can’t describe how much she means to me and what she has done for me in my life.

“I love her dearly and love her so much.”

The 6-5, 335-pound Kinnard is not loved by opponents. Pro Football Focus tagged him as college football’s top run-blocking tackle for 2021. He has been in 33 career games, that includes 26 starts. He had 40 knockdown blocks and 138 blocks at the point of attack at right tackle last season when he earned All-American honors.

But off the field, it is all about his mother.

“I know about y’all’s mama, I know y’all love your mama, but I think I might love mine more than y’all. That’s all I’m going to say,” Kinnard said.