Kyle Kennard Claims 2024 Blanchard-Rogers Trophy, Cementing His Gamecock Legacy
GREENVILLE, S.C. – The South Carolina Football Hall of Fame (SCFHOF) has officially named Kyle Kennard as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Blanchard-Rogers Trophy, recognizing him as South Carolina’s top collegiate football player of the season. This distinguished honor adds another milestone to Kennard’s illustrious career, as he becomes one of the most decorated defensive players in Gamecock history.
Kennard will receive the award during the 12th Annual SCFHOF Enshrinement at Hotel Hartness on April 17, 2025, presented by Ellison Kibler Merrill Lynch.
A Season for the Record Books
Kennard made an immediate impact upon transferring to South Carolina from Georgia Tech, quickly establishing himself as one of the nation’s most dominant defensive players. His performance throughout the 2024 season earned him a place in history as the first Gamecock ever to win the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded to the nation’s best defensive player.
His dominance on the field was undeniable:
- 28 total tackles
- 15.5 tackles for loss (led the SEC)
- 11.5 sacks (led the SEC)
- Three forced fumbles and two recoveries
- Season-high seven tackles vs. Alabama, including 3.0 tackles for loss and 2 sacks
These incredible numbers earned Kennard the title of SEC Defensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-American honors from multiple national outlets. His explosive play and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks made him a nightmare for opposing offenses, solidifying his place among the nation’s top defenders.
Next Stop: The NFL
With his collegiate career wrapped up, Kennard now sets his sights on the NFL Combine later this February, where he looks to further boost his draft stock ahead of the NFL Draft (April 24-26, 2025). Represented by McRae Sports Group, he is expected to be a top defensive prospect as teams look for elite pass rushers to strengthen their rosters.
A Legacy Etched in South Carolina Football History
The Blanchard-Rogers Trophy, named after Heisman Trophy winners Felix “Doc” Blanchard and George Rogers, has long celebrated South Carolina’s most outstanding collegiate player each season. Kyle Kennard now joins an elite group of football greats, leaving behind a legacy that Gamecock fans won’t soon forget.
As SCFHOF honors his incredible journey, all eyes now turn to Kennard’s next chapter—one that is sure to be just as thrilling as his historic 2024 season.
