By Darin 
When assembling the Mount Rushmore of college defensive backs, one name must be etched in stone: Terry Kinard. Born on November 24, 1959, in Bitburg, West Germany, Kinard arrived at Clemson University and quickly established a reputation as a statistical anomaly, registering career numbers that are still jaw-dropping today.
Legend
Kinard, the great DB from Clemson University, when you talk about a defensive back coming out of college with great stats, he must be in the conversation. Kinard registered 17 interceptions, 30 pass deflections, and 292 tackles during his Clemson career. Two of his picks were extremely important to the 1979 16-10 victory over Notre Dame. It was exploits like this that led Terry to All-America honors and many other collegiate awards.
The National Football Foundation voted Terry Kinard into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001. Terry enjoyed a nice 8-year career in the NFL, playing for the New York Giants and the Houston Oilers.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
Collegiate Career at Clemson
| Statistic / Award | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birth Date/Location | November 24, 1959, Bitburg, West Germany |
| Total Interceptions | 17 |
| Total Pass Deflections | 30 |
| Total Tackles | 292 |
| Key Performance | Registered 2 crucial interceptions in the 16-10 victory over Notre Dame (1979). |
| Collegiate Honors | All-America honors and many other collegiate awards. |
Post-Collegiate Career
| Area | Detail |
|---|---|
| NFL Career Length | 8 years |
| NFL Teams | New York Giants and Houston Oilers |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame (2001) by the National Football Foundation. |
Conclusion
From his birth in West Germany to his defensive mastery at Clemson, and then an eight-year career spanning the New York Giants and the Houston Oilers, Terry Kinard’s impact on football is undeniable. His collegiate accomplishments—capped by his 2001 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame—solidify his standing not just as a great defensive back, but as a legendary figure in Clemson University history.