South Carolina football edge rusher Kyle Kennard has won the 2024 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, given each year to the nation’s best defender.
The other finalists for the award were Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron, Penn State defensive end Adbul Carter and Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham.
Kennard was given the award Monday night at the trophy banquet in Charlotte, North Carolina, held by the Football Writers Association of America and the Charlotte Touchdown Club. He is the first player in program history to win the Nagurski Trophy; Jadeveon Clowney was a finalist in 2012.
“I want to give a huge shoutout to my mom and my dad,” Kennard said in his speech. “As well as my little brother who I try to be a positive role model to every day. I want to give a shoutout to my coaches that are right there, coach Shane Beamer and coach Sterling Lucas, I am honored to win this award.
“This past offseason . . . I knew I wanted different for myself, I knew I wanted more for myself and coming to South Carolina was the first part. When I got here, the people in the building, the fans . . . they never fail to give me support. I appreciate everyone who voted for me.”
The 6-foot-5, 254-pound edge rusher transferred to South Carolina after four years at Georgia Tech. He has 24 career sacks — 11.5 of them this season, the most in the SEC and No. 5 in the nation. He had 20 solo tackles, 10 quarterback hurries and three forced fumbles this season.
Kennard is also a finalist for the Lombardi Award, which will be announced on Wednesday.
BOWL GAME: South Carolina vs. Illinois Citrus Bowl game predictions: SEC vs Big Ten matchup
Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at [email protected] and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @Lulukesin
This article originally…
..
