South Carolina Football Prepares for Life Without Kyle Kennard as New Talent Arrives
The South Carolina Gamecocks are facing a significant challenge in 2025 with the departure of seven defensive starters. Among them, Kyle Kennard, a transfer from Georgia Tech, leaves the biggest void despite his short tenure in Columbia. Enrolling in January and declaring for the NFL Draft in December, Kennard’s impact was nothing short of monumental.
In just one season, Kennard delivered a historic performance, amassing 11.5 sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss. His dominance earned him the Bronco Nagurski Award, recognizing the nation’s top defensive player, and unanimous All-American honors. Kennard’s achievements brought glory to South Carolina’s defense, narrowly missing some records set by program legend Jadeveon Clowney.
Kennard, alongside freshman sensation Dylan Stewart (6.5 sacks, 10.5 TFLs), turned the Gamecocks’ defense into a must-watch unit. Their success elevated the profile of South Carolina’s pass-rushing program and set the stage for a promising future under defensive assistant Sterling Lucas.
Incoming Talent: Jaquavious Dodd and Anthony Addison
With Kennard’s departure, the Gamecocks are reloading with new talent. True freshmen Jaquavious Dodd and Anthony Addison, two of the most touted edge rushers in South Carolina’s 2025 recruiting class, are ready to step into the spotlight.
Dodd, a four-star prospect from Eastside High in Taylors, South Carolina, boasts an imposing 6-foot-5 frame and an 82-inch wingspan. Remarkably, he began his high school career as a tight end. His transition to edge rusher began at a summer camp under head coach Shane Beamer, where Lucas quickly saw his potential.
“You’re an edge guy,” Lucas told Dodd during the camp. “We’re gonna build you.”
Now weighing 230 pounds, Dodd’s priority is bulking up to compete in the SEC. “They’re gonna get me big,” he said. “And from there, I’m gonna be able to play with the big boys.”
Addison, a three-star recruit from Sumter High, brings his own unique talents to the program. At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, Addison’s relationship with Lucas has been instrumental in his decision to join South Carolina.
“Some people need a passive coach, and some need someone who’s on you,” Addison said. “Coach Lucas is right in the middle. He’s not passive, but he’s not overbearing either. He’s a relationship guy.”
Building for the Future
Throughout the season, Addison and Lucas stayed in regular contact, discussing more than just recruitment. Addison often provided detailed game plans for his high school matchups, analyzing offensive lines and strategizing pass-rush moves.
“I’d tell him, ‘This offensive tackle is 6-5, so I think this week I’m gonna use this move,’” Addison shared. “Then next week, it’s a different type of lineman, and I’d adjust my approach.”
Both Dodd and Addison are set to begin workouts next week, eager to develop under Lucas and continue South Carolina’s legacy of elite pass rushers. With their talent and the foundation laid by Kennard and Stewart, the future of the Gamecocks’ defensive line looks as promising as ever.
