Gamecock edge rusher Bryan Thomas Jr. has been named the SEC's Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week following his standout performance in the Gamecocks' 35-13 win over Kentucky, the league office announced on Monday.
Thomas had a stellar performance with a game and career-high of seven tackles with five solo stops. The 6-foot-2, 249-pound senior also set a personal best with 2.0 tackles, part of the Gamecocks' six-sack effort against the Wildcats. He also added a quarterback hurry. His impact during the game on Saturday helped to anchor a South Carolina defense that allowed just 232 total yards, including only 91 yards on Kentucky's final nine drives.
Thomas also becomes the third Gamecocks to earn SEC honors this season, joining linebacker Fred Johnson (Co-Defensive Player of the Week vs. Virginia Tech) and freshman Vicari Swain, who has been recognized twice as Co-Special Teams Player of the Week (vs. Virginia Tech and SC State).
The Gamecocks (3-2, 1-2 SEC) enter a bye week this weekend before heading to Baton Rouge on October 11 for a primetime matchup against the No. 13 LSU Tigers (4-1, 1-1 SEC).