Owensboro native Dartanyan Tinsley has already beaten the odds. Now he’s just waiting for one more moment to make the journey official.
Tinsley, a 2019 Owensboro High School graduate and former University of Cincinnati offensive lineman, is hoping to hear his name called during this weekend’s NFL Draft. While he’s not projected to go in the early rounds, the former Kentucky Christian University standout says he’s grateful just to be in this position.
“I’m not a picky guy in this situation,” Tinsley said. “Most guys that go to KCU don’t even get the opportunity to go play Division I, let alone the NFL. So I’m just blessed with the opportunity.”
After finishing his college career with the Bearcats, Tinsley has spent the last few months training at X3 Performance in Florida under the guidance of former Eagles coach Eugene Chung and offensive line specialist Jordan Louallen. More recently, he’s been preparing back in Cincinnati with his student coach, Garcia, whom he called a “complete mastermind.”
“I’ve definitely seen and felt the difference of what it looks like at the professional level versus college,” he said.
Tinsley has had several interviews and workouts with NFL teams, including a private workout with the New Orleans Saints, a local day with the Cincinnati Bengals, and meetings with the Jaguars, Browns, Titans, and Buccaneers, among others.
“All in all, I’ve probably talked to about 17 out of the 32 teams,” Tinsley said. “There are some guys who don’t even get a call from anybody, so it’s definitely a good feeling.”
Rounds one through three of the draft began Thursday and continue through Friday. Tinsley, who expects to land somewhere in rounds five through seven on Saturday, said his family will be gathering in Cincinnati for a small celebration — hopeful that a team will take a chance on him.
“We’ll gather up and kind of eat and fellowship,” he said. “We’ll see what happens, see where the cards lay.”
The 6-foot-3 lineman, known for his versatility and work ethic, said he’s not set on playing a particular spot.
“We’re from Owensboro, Kentucky. We are not choosy. We’re blue collar workers,” he said with a laugh. “Man, where you need me to go and what do you need me to do?”
Tinsley’s football journey has been anything but traditional. From OHS to KCU, and then transferring to Cincinnati, he’s stayed grounded in faith, family, and his hometown.
He’s also hoping to return to Owensboro soon after the draft to spend time with local kids and show them what’s possible.
“I think they have to see that this is a walking testimony — that, yeah, I can do it. I just have to keep my mind and eyes on the prize,” Tinsley said.
The NFL Draft concludes Saturday evening. If Tinsley isn’t selected, he could still sign as an undrafted free agent and receive a shot at a rookie mini camp. Either way, he’s ready to get to work.
“I think everybody feels confident,” he said. “If you’re not confident, then what are you doing?”
