Darian Kinnard back at right tackle as Dare Rosenthal locks down left side

When Darian Kinnard turned down the NFL and returned to Kentucky, the belief was the former right tackle would be moving to the blindside.

However, Kentucky made a surprise offseason addition in the form of LSU transfer Dare Rosenthal, who primarily played left tackle in Baton Rouge.

So instead of trying to switch sides, Kentucky has decided to keep both tackles at their original positions, as Kinnard will stick to right tackle, while Rosenthal will be on the left side.

New offensive coordinator Liam Coen confirmed the news following Tuesday’s practice.

“I think it’s just putting guys in a position to be the most successful they can be. “Obviously he’s (Kinnard) more successful and comfortable being on the right side. We want to be able to run the ball that way a lot. That’s our guy that we need to run behind. I think that gives us the ability to do so. He’s more comfortable there, and he’s a team player. He’s the type of kid that just wants to do anything to win, and that’s what he did.”

Kinnard is already projected as a first/second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and Rosenthal was touted as a future first-rounder by LSU coach Ed Orgeron.

“He’s (Rosenthal) a tremendous player. I hate to lose him,” Orgeron said at SEC Media Days of Rosenthal transferring to Kentucky. “I recruited him out of Ferriday High School. Defensive lineman went to offensive line. He didn’t want to leave. It was hard on him.

“I think they’ve got a potential first-round draft choice there. Dare knows he’s got some stuff he needs to get better at, and I’m sure Kentucky’s going to see that. He’s a great young man, a great team player.”

For the team.