The upcoming 2026 season is the start of a NEW ERA for SDSU. Sons of Montezuma is putting into focus our top San Diego State football players for you to know heading into the PAC 12 era.
- Name: Javion “Chop” Kinnard
- Position: Running Back
- Class: Sophomore
- Height/Weight: 5’8″, 175 lbs
- Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
- Previous School: Colorado State
“The running back room has been tremendous so far,” senior running back Lucky Sutton said to the media following a Fall Camp practice. “Chop” is doing wonderful things, can’t wait for everyone to see “Chop” play.”
“Chop” is the nickname of running back Javion Kinnard who enters his sophomore season and his first on The Mesa. Kinnard transferred from conference rival Colorado State, where he saw gametime as a true freshman, rushing for 56 yards in 12 attempts (4.6 AVG).
He contributed eight rushing yards from two carries against the Aztecs when the Rams visited Snapdragon Stadium last season. But don’t let that fool you—not many were able to rush against Aztecs last season.
Ironically, most of his production came from catching the football, either as a receiver or when he was fielding punts as an explosive returner.
In his first game with punt return duties, Kinnard lit up Canvas Stadium with a first quarter 91-yard punt return against Hawaii. Six returns for 138 yards (23 AVG) with the touchdown was how his 2025 shaped up as a return-man, earning a 2025 All-Mountian West Second Team selection.
The Music City native was also a threat in the passing game. He recorded 18 receptions for 228 yards (12.7 AVG) and a touchdown. His most productive game as a pass-catcher, three receptions for 90 yards (72 LNG) came against the eventual Mountain West Champions, Boise State. Not even the second-best defense in the conference, Fresno State, could avoid the “Chop” who picked up three grabs for 72 yards (41 LNG).
Kinnard’s physical frame and production should remind San Diego football fans of Darren Sproles. The three-time Pro Bowler played 14 seasons in the NFL as the first five seasons were played in the Mission Valley (apologies for mentioning that team).
Sproles measured at 5 feet and 6 inches tall while weighing in at 190 pounds. Kinnard is only an inch taller and is listed weighing 175 pounds.
In addition to the physical, Sproles rushed for 3552 yards, but produced 4,840 receiving despite being a running back. Looking back to the numbers of Kinnard’s freshman season, like Sproles, perhaps there is more potential production on the receiving end.
As things stand, we might not see Kinnard to his full potential in 2026 with senior rushing duo Sutton and Christian Washington ahead of him in the pecking order. Additionally, junior and SDSU’s 2025 leading receiver Jordan Napier was named first-team all conference first team punt returner.
However, Kinnard would be a great ‘relief’ and rotational option to Sutton and Washington. Regarding the punt return game, we will have to wait and take note who head coach Sean Lewis and special teams coordinator Zac Barton trot out there.
This team is spoiled to have the top two 2025 Mountain West punt returners from at their disposal.
What excites me the most, is if Kinnard is out there against the blitz as a checkdown, Denegal dials the ball to an uncovered “Chop” that runs downfield for >20 yards beating the blitz.
Aztec fans, keep your eyes on No. 21, Javion Kinnard in 2026.
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