Kingsley Enagbare leaving South Carolina football team for the NFL Draft

The South Carolina football team will be without one of its best defenders in 2022. Edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare has opted to forego his final season of eligibility with the Gamecocks and declare for the NFL Draft.

He made the announcement public earlier today with a post on social media.

Enagbare finished up his senior season in Columbia by leading the Gamecocks’ defense in sacks and tackles for loss. For his career, the All-SEC performer posted 15 sacks and 24 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. He also notched three forced fumbles. Pro Football Focus graded Enagbare as one of college football’s top pass rushers in 2021, tabbing him as a first-team all-conference contributor.

As a recruit, Enagbare was a top 300 player and a four-star prospect. His role grew larger every season in Columbia, culminating with a big senior season. Due to the 2020 COVID year not being counted against eligibility, he technically had the option to return for a fifth season.

Instead, he’ll turn his focus to the NFL, where he’s considered a first-round pick by some draft experts. He’ll get to showcase his talents one last time at the collegiate level as he’s accepted an invite to play in the upcoming Senior Bowl. He will not, however, participate in South Carolina’s bowl game versus the North Carolina Tar Heels.

Enagbare is the second Gamecock to declare for the NFL Draft this offseason. Running back ZaQuandre White is also testing the waters at the next level. He will sit out of South Carolina’s upcoming bowl matchup, too.