STAT LINE: 6 total tackles (2 solo), 1.5 TFL, 1.0 sack, 1 INT, 2 PBU
Kinard’s ability and versatility were on full display during the Red Flash’s 31-6 victory over NEC rival Wagner. Whether it was coming up to stop the run, dropping back to defend the pass or flying in on a blitz, the starting safety made plenty of plays for a defense that limited the opponent to 3.9 yards per play. Kinard, who credited with 1.5 TFL and 1.0 sack, totaled six tackles as the Flash kept Wagner out of the endzone for the full 60:00. He also intercepted a pass and broke up two others. All six of the safety’s stops prevented the opponent from gaining a first down on the play. Each of his three hits in run defense limited the ball carrier to one yard or less. With Wagner looking to convert a 3rd-and-4 on its opening possession, Kinard put himself in between the ball and Wagner receiver D’Erren Wilson to force a punt. He broke free on a blitz midway through the second quarter, dropping the quarterback for a loss on 2nd-and-Goal with SFU protecting a 14-3 lead. In the third quarter, he recorded a pass break-up going against preseason all-NEC receiver John Williams on a third-down play from the SFU 14-yard line. With the Seahawks still in search of their first touchdown midway through the final period, Kinard picked off a second-down pass at the goal line and returned it 70 yards.