South Carolina football: Kingsley Enagbare named to Bednarik watchlist

South Carolina football edge rusher hoping to earn postseason honors.

Kingsley “JJ” Enagbare was the Gamecocks’ best pass rusher last season, totaling a team-high six sacks over eight games of action. He notched seven tackles for loss and forced two fumbles on his way to All-SEC recognition. After mulling it over for a moment, the senior decided to return for one final season in Columbia, and he’s got his sights set on big things.

The edge rusher was recently named as a preseason nominee for the Chuck Bednarik Award watchlist. The honor is given annually to the nation’s top defensive player, and past winners have included Julius Peppers, David Pollack, Ndamukong Suh, and Aaron Donald.

Enagbare will have the chance to become the first Gamecock to ever win the award, but it will take another impressive performance. He finished in the top 30 in the nation in sacks a game, averaging .75 quarterback takedowns per contest. That was the second-best mark in the SEC.

There’s reason to believe that the fourth-year player could exceed that total in 2021.

First, the Gamecocks will go back to a 12-game slate after having to play in condensed 10-game, all-conference schedule. That means that Enagbare will face less competition against SEC offensive lines, and will get three out-of-conference matchups in which he could thrive against lesser opponents. South Carolina’s front four should be successful against the likes of Eastern Illinois, East Carolina, and Troy.

Second is the fact that the Gamecocks are installing a new defensive scheme that has a focus on getting to the quarterback. South Carolina’s defensive line should be the strength of the unit, and being able to disrupt opposing offenses will be key to the Gamecocks’ success. Enagbare, along with pass rushers Jordan Strachan, Jordan Burch, and Aaron Sterling, should thrive in the new look. The team totaled just 14 sacks in 2020. Expect that total to improve next year.

Enagbare will kick off his final season on September 4th in Williams-Brice Stadium. The Gamecocks are counting on him to lead the defense and help them reach a bowl game for the first time in three years.