The South Carolina Football Hall of Fame (SCFHOF) has honored University of South Carolina senior edge rusher Kyle Kennard with the 2024 Blanchard-Rogers Trophy recognizing him as the state's most outstanding collegiate football player. This accolade adds to Kennard's impressive list of achievements for the 2024 season, including winning the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation's top defensive player and earning consensus All-America honors.
Throughout the season, Kennard led the SEC with 15.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks, with a standout performance against Alabama where he recorded seven tackles, including three for loss and two sacks. His exceptional play has solidified his legacy in Gamecock football history.
Throughout the 2024 season, Kennard delivered exceptional performances, leading the Southeastern Conference (SEC) with 15.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks over 12 games. He also recorded 28 total tackles, 3 forced fumbles, and 10 quarterback hurries.
One of his standout games occurred on October 12, 2024, against the University of Alabama, where Kennard amassed seven tackles, including three for loss and two sacks. His consistent high-level play earned him multiple accolades, such as the Bronko Nagurski Trophy for the nation's top defensive player, consensus All-America honors, and the title of SEC Defensive Player of the Year by both the Associated Press and SEC Coaches.
Kennard's journey to this pinnacle began in Atlanta, Georgia, where he played high school football at Riverwood High School. He started his collegiate career at Georgia Tech before transferring to South Carolina, where he became a cornerstone of the Gamecocks' defense.
Kennard's exemplary performance throughout the 2024 season has solidified his legacy in South Carolina football history.