by Bill Seals
An offensive lineman from the state of Ohio recently picked up an offer from Iowa State and looks forward to learning more about the program during the upcoming contact period.
Cleveland St. Ignatius Class of 2018 tackle Darian Kinnard added his first Power-5 offer of the recruiting process to go along with the one he already had from Toledo.
“I was at my house and got a text from one of Coach (Tom) Manning at Iowa State that said he had some good news for me,” said Kinnard. “No sooner than he sent that text, my head coach texted me and said Iowa State would love to offer me. As soon as he said that, Coach Manning texted saying they would like to offer me. It was a shock, a big surprise. I didn’t think it would be happening over winter break, but it was a great thing to have happen.”
A Junior Day stop in Ames during an upcoming basketball game is a definite possibility for the 6-foot-6, 315-pound Kinnard.
“I want to visit as many colleges as possible, especially Iowa State since they offered me,” Kinnard said. “It would be a great chance to get out and show what I can do, possibly meet the coaches and see how their personalities are. Hopefully we can connect in more than just football.”
Kinnard said he enjoyed the brief conversation he had with Manning and thinks he could be a good fit for what the coaching staff is looking for.
“He seemed pretty chill and pretty cool,” Kinnard said. “It sounds like he knows what he’s talking about. Besides just liking my natural size and talent, they want someone that’s big who can move well.
“I felt that I built up a lot of confidence this past season. My footwork and technique also improved. I always tried to do better with the double-teams with my guard and making sure we get the block and then into the next level and getting on the linebacker.”
In addition to his two offers from I-State and Toledo, Kinnard is receiving interest from Maryland, Ohio State, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Pittsburgh.
An offensive lineman from the state of Ohio recently picked up an offer from Iowa State and looks forward to learning more about the program during the upcoming contact period.
Cleveland St. Ignatius Class of 2018 tackle Darian Kinnard added his first Power-5 offer of the recruiting process to go along with the one he already had from Toledo.
“I was at my house and got a text from one of Coach (Tom) Manning at Iowa State that said he had some good news for me,” said Kinnard. “No sooner than he sent that text, my head coach texted me and said Iowa State would love to offer me. As soon as he said that, Coach Manning texted saying they would like to offer me. It was a shock, a big surprise. I didn’t think it would be happening over winter break, but it was a great thing to have happen.”
A Junior Day stop in Ames during an upcoming basketball game is a definite possibility for the 6-foot-6, 315-pound Kinnard.
“I want to visit as many colleges as possible, especially Iowa State since they offered me,” Kinnard said. “It would be a great chance to get out and show what I can do, possibly meet the coaches and see how their personalities are. Hopefully we can connect in more than just football.”
Kinnard said he enjoyed the brief conversation he had with Manning and thinks he could be a good fit for what the coaching staff is looking for.
“He seemed pretty chill and pretty cool,” Kinnard said. “It sounds like he knows what he’s talking about. Besides just liking my natural size and talent, they want someone that’s big who can move well.
“I felt that I built up a lot of confidence this past season. My footwork and technique also improved. I always tried to do better with the double-teams with my guard and making sure we get the block and then into the next level and getting on the linebacker.”
In addition to his two offers from I-State and Toledo, Kinnard is receiving interest from Maryland, Ohio State, Michigan State, Wisconsin and Pittsburgh.
