Kyle Kennard Wins Nagurski

South Carolina senior EDGE Kyle Kennard has been named the 2024 Bronko Nagurski Award winner, given to the nation’s top defensive player annually. Kennard beat out Texas’ Jahdae Barron, Penn State’s Abdul Carter, and Michigan’s Mason Graham for the honor, making him the first player in Gamecocks’ history to win the coveted award.

Kennard, who transferred in from Georgia Tech at the end of last season, became the lynchpin for one of the greatest defenses in Gamecocks’ history. He led not only the team, but the entire SEC in sacks this season with 11.5, and tackles for a loss, with 15.5. Both marks rank in the top 15 in the nation among qualified players.

Historic Season as a Gamecock

Kennard came to South Carolina as a relative unknown, recording just 12.5 total sacks over his four years as a Yellow Jacket. Many expected him to be in the rotation up front for the Gamecocks, but almost nobody foresaw him taking the reins in an absolutely loaded defensive line room.

It became apparent from the first game against Old Dominion that Carolina had found themselves an elite pass rusher. Arguably his best performance of the year came against Alabama in week seven. Against the Tide, Kennard picked up two sacks, and a season-high three tackles for loss. He also recorded his season-best in tackles with seven.

Perhaps his most impressive feat though, is the fact that he led the best conference in college football in two key stats while missing two entire games. Injuries held the senior pass rusher out against both Clemson and Ole Miss, but he still managed to lead the SEC in sacks and tackles for a loss.

Leaving a Legacy

It’s hard to understate just how important Kennard has been for the Gamecocks this season. It’s really not a stretch to say he’s the best pass rusher Carolina has seen since Clowney, and even he didn’t win the Nagurski during his illustrious career.

Kyle Kennard came to Carolina looking to make his last season of college football his best. He’ll leave a probable first-round draft pick and one of the greatest defensive players in the program’s history.