South Carolina Football: Javon Kinlaw Signs Rookie Deal

Former South Carolina football player Javon Kinlaw signed a four-year deal with the 49ers Friday.

First round draft pick Javon Kinlaw officially became a member of the San Francisco 49ers on Friday, inking a four-year, $15.5 million deal with an $8.8 million signing bonus.  The rookie contract also includes an option for a fifth year.

Kinlaw was the 49ers’ first pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, going 14th overall.  He became the 14th Gamecock ever to be drafted in the first round.

The defensive tackle spent three years in Columbia, making 34 career starts.  In those three seasons, he totaled 93 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, 10 deflected passes, four fumble recoveries, three fumbles forced, and three blocked kicks.

As a junior, Kinlaw led the Gamecock defense in sacks.  In his senior season, the 315-pounder earned first-team All-America honors, the 25th player in program history to do so.  He shined in games against North Carolina, Alabama, and Georgia.

Here’s what Kinlaw had to say about his signing on Instagram.

"“Grew up Tryna figure out why God put us through so much heartache. He knew I was a soldier. He knew I was solid to the bone. That’s the only reason I even took it this far. Somebody tell my momma I became a millionaire today. Somebody tell her that her prayers was answered. God, I appreciate you big homie. Even though I don’t feel like I deserve it imma keep it goin because that’s all I know. Imma go down a legend for everything I went through and still made it here for this. I appreciate the 49ers organization for letting me chase my dreams and be one hell of a father.”"

Kinlaw and teammate Deebo Samuel will try to get San Francisco back to the Super Bowl in 2020.