Preseason AP All-American latest for Kamren Kinchens

Kamren Kinchens picked up his latest preseason All-American honors on Monday by being named to the Associated Press team. Kinchens previously earned spots on the CBS Sports/247 Sports, ESPN and Pro Football Focus preseason All-American teams. Kinchens was a 2022 AP and Sporting News All-American.

In two seasons with Miami, Kamren Kinchens has 103 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, 16 passes defended and six interceptions with one returned for a touchdown. During his 2022 All-American season, Kinchens led Miami with 59 tackles and six interceptions and added 12 pass breakups and one forced fumble.

Kinchens can become the 10th Miami player to earn All-American twice. Offensive tackles Joaquin Gonzalez and Bryant McKinney were the last multiple-year Miami All-Americans in 2000-2001. Edge rusher Jared Verse from Florida State was the only other AP Preseason All-American from the ACC.

Kinchens has also been lauded by Pro Football Focus throughout the offseason as their top ranked returning safety in college football. Per PFF, Kinchens led all Football Bowl Subdivision safeties in 90.0 both overall grade and 90.7 coverage grade during the 2023 season. Miami could have the best safety tandem nationally.

Kinchens and James Willams entering their third season playing together provide Miami with elite talent, experience and stability at safety entering the 2023 season. If Williams lives up to his five star status from the 2021 class, Miami should have two safeties who receive post season awards.

With little depth behind them, Miami needs Kinchens and Williams to stay healthy in 2023. Miami should be greatly improved defensively in 2023 under new defensive coordinator Lance Guidry. Prior to becoming a defensive coordinator and previously an FCS head coach, Guidry coaches safeties.

Kinchens, Williams and the Miami secondary have consistency and stability with defensive backs coach Jahmile Addae returning for his second season with Miami. In 2022, Kinchens established himself as a leader on and off the field. Expect Kinchens to continue leading the Miami defense in 2023.