Gamecock Legends Duce Staley & Jim Carlen Headline Star-Studded South Carolina Football Hall of Fame Class
The South Carolina Football Hall of Fame has announced its Class of 2024, and it features some of the most influential figures in Gamecock football history. Former South Carolina running back Duce Staley and legendary USC head coach and athletic director Jim Carlen are set to be enshrined, alongside Blanchard-Rogers Trophy winner Kyle Kennard, who will also be honored at this year’s ceremony.
They will be joined by three other football greats: New England Patriots Super Bowl champion Troy Brown, legendary South Carolina State coach Buddy Pough, and Clemson All-American Jim Stuckey. The honorees will officially be inducted at the 12th Annual Enshrinement Ceremony on April 17, 2025, at Hotel Hartness in Greenville, SC.
Gamecock Greats Get Their Due
Duce Staley, a former All-SEC running back, made a name for himself in the NFL, becoming a multiple-time 1,000-yard rusher for the Philadelphia Eagles and later winning Super Bowl XL with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now a respected NFL assistant coach, Staley continues to impact the game from the sidelines.
Jim Carlen, who led South Carolina from 1975 to 1981, guided the Gamecocks to two of the program’s first three eight-win seasons and recruited Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers. As an administrator and coach, his legacy in Columbia remains historic.
Meanwhile, EDGE rusher Kyle Kennard etched his name in Gamecock history with one of the best defensive seasons ever, becoming just the fifth South Carolina player to earn consensus All-American honors. He also took home the prestigious Bronko Nagurski Trophy, given to the nation’s top defender.
Other 2024 Inductees & Honorees
The South Carolina Football Hall of Fame class also includes:
- Troy Brown – A South Carolina native and 15-year NFL veteran, Brown was a key player in the New England Patriots dynasty, winning three Super Bowls.
- Buddy Pough – The winningest coach in South Carolina State history, Pough’s teams won eight MEAC titles and five HBCU National Championships over his legendary 21-season career.
- Jim Stuckey – A former Clemson star and first-round NFL Draft pick, Stuckey helped lead the San Francisco 49ers to their first Super Bowl title with a game-clinching fumble recovery in the NFC Championship.
Beyond the inductees, the SCFHOF will also recognize:
- Sabrina Greenlee, 2024 Humanitarian of the Year, for her advocacy work with domestic violence survivors.
- Kyle Kennard, 2024 Blanchard-Rogers Trophy Winner, honored as the most outstanding college football player with South Carolina ties.
- Bridge Builder Excellence Award Finalists, recognizing student-athletes who exemplify leadership, academic success, and community impact.
The 12th Annual Enshrinement Ceremony promises to be a memorable night celebrating South Carolina football’s biggest legends and the lasting impact they have left on the game.
