South Carolina Football: Javon Kinlaw Selected in the First Round of the NFL Draft
By Jacob Elsey
Thursday night, Javon Kinlaw became the 14th Gamecock to be chosen in the first round of the NFL Draft. He was selected by the 49ers with the 14th overall pick, and will join 2019 draftee, Deebo Samuel, in San Francisco next season.
Kinlaw had a monster year for Carolina last season, posting 35 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles, and a blocked kick on his way to All-America honors. He was also the winner of the Gamecocks’ Unselfish Teammate Award, which is no surprise if you’re familiar with his backstory.
After his mother, Leesa James-Exum, immigrated to the US from Trinidad in 1995, Kinlaw and his family settled down in the nation’s capital. James-Exum found it difficult to keep a steady paycheck in Washington DC, which led to bouts of homelessness for Kinlaw and his brother, Shaquille.
In the middle of his ninth-grade year, Kinlaw ended up moving to the North Charleston area to live with his father. It’s here, that he joined the football team at Goose Creek High School. His talent was obvious but grades were an issue. After wrapping up his senior season, the 6’ 6” defensive line prospect attended Jones Community College in Mississippi to improve upon his academics, following a plan put in place by Gamecock head coach Will Muschamp.
He spent one season at Jones CC, garnering JUCO All-America recognition. In 2017, Kinlaw committed to the University of South Carolina, and the rest is history.
In his three seasons with the Gamecocks, the defensive tackle totaled 82 tackles, 17 tfl, and 10 sacks. He now joins a defensive line in San Francisco that features Joey Bosa, Arik Armstead, and Dee Ford. Kinlaw should have an opportunity to crack the rotation as a rookie in 2020, and continue his amazing journey through the NFL.