Signing Day Capsule: Antonio Kinard

Antonio Kinard is the sixth commit to the Michigan Wolverines 2010 recruiting class. Get up to date on Kinard’s recruitment and find out about how this hard-hitting linebacker turned defensive end.

Antonio Kinard
Defensive End 6-4/210
Liberty HS (Youngstown, OH)
NR: *** - Position Rank: 88

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His Recruiting Story
This standout defender, while playing linebacker, recorded 86 tackles, including six sacks during in high-school debut. With Michigan on campus at Liberty High School one year earlier for recruits Isaiah Bell and Fitzgerald Toussaint, it did not take them long to notice Antonio, or he them. Though many Michigan faithful had not heard of Kinard, other schools had. In fact, the Wolverines swept in and snagged his commit so fast that very few schools ever stood a chance. Schools like OSU, Penn State, Iowa, MSU had all started to pursue him with some getting close to offering. Both a Big House BBQ and Junior Day visitor, Kinard felt the UM vibe and quickly shut the door on his recruiting process.

For his senior season with the Panthers Antonio spent time on both sides of the ball. Playing tight-end he hauled in a 24 yard TD catch and a also scored on a 55 yard TD jaunt; he also played well on defense were his season was highlighted by two sacks, a fumble recovery and an interception.

His Commitment Comments
"I committed (Friday), actually," he reported. "I told Coach Rodriguez on the football field in the Big House.” In explaining his choice "It was just the school and the football program, and of course my friends too, because they're going," "I'm happy with my choice. There's no second thought about my decision." "I talk to Michigan like every other week, because I don't want to drive them crazy. They just tell me to keep my head up, play hard and do the best I can do."

GoBlueWolverine Commentary
Kinard has the frame to pack on some size, and plays a very aggressive and physical game. If Kinard qualifies, we expect he will redshirt to add the size need to fill one of Greg Robinson’s hybrid positions. Already a very dynamic tackler he should become even more of a backfield disruptive force with some added weight. He hits with intent to punish. Combining 4.6 speed with a great motor and good instincts and he will be a welcomed addition to the Wolverine run and pass rushing corp.