Tag: Kyle Kennard

Reporting live from the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, former South Carolina football star Kyle Kennard is making waves this week as he prepares for the NFL Draft. After an outstanding season with the Gamecocks, Kennard is looking to boost his draft stock in front of NFL decision-makers. This week, he’ll undergo measurements, drills, on-field testing, and interviews, giving executives a chance to assess both his athletic ability and character.

When Kennard spoke with the media on Wednesday, he shared his thoughts on various topics, but one comment in particular is turning heads among South Carolina fans. When asked about his EDGE partner, Dylan Stewart, Kennard couldn’t hold back his admiration for the rising sophomore.

“That’s my little brother, man. I love Dylan,” Kennard said, beaming with pride. “I’ll start off by saying that.” Kennard then shifted his focus to Stewart’s future in the NFL, emphasizing just how much of a star the young player will be. “Most importantly, [Stewart] will definitely be a first-round pick,” Kennard confidently predicted. “He’s a top-10 lock, for sure.”

Given Kennard’s experience as a dominant EDGE player himself, his endorsement of Stewart carries a lot of weight. The two formed one of the most formidable pass-rush duos in the country this season, with Kennard earning praise for his standout play and Stewart drawing attention as a potential future star.

Kennard is expected to be a day-two pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. Although some analysts have even projected him to go in the first round, most mock drafts place him in the second or third rounds. His final season at South Carolina was nothing short of spectacular, earning him the prestigious Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation’s top defensive player and a consensus All-American honor. He led the SEC in both sacks (11.5) and tackles for loss (15.5), and his defensive prowess earned him multiple SEC Player of the Year and SEC Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Together, Kennard and Stewart made life miserable for opposing quarterbacks, even as they faced constant holding from offensive linemen. Their impact this season has been reminiscent of the dominance once displayed by Jadeveon Clowney during his time in Columbia. While Kennard’s numbers speak for themselves, Stewart’s potential has been widely recognized as well.

It’s not just Kennard who believes in Stewart’s future. Earlier this offseason, Fox Sports analyst Rob Rang boldly stated that Stewart would have been a top-10 pick in this year’s NFL Draft if he were eligible. Additionally, both SEC Network analyst Cole Cubelic and On3 ranked Stewart as the No. 3 returning player in college football for the 2025 season.

Though Stewart still has two years before he can declare for the draft, Kennard will spend a few more days in Indianapolis with 11 of his Gamecock teammates, all competing for a shot at the NFL. Keep following our NFL Combine Headquarters for all the latest updates from Indianapolis!

For more discussions on South Carolina football, check out The Insiders Forum.

The highly anticipated NFL Scouting Combine has officially kicked off, marking the biggest pre-draft event of the offseason. Before taking part in individual drills on the field, players have the opportunity to speak with the media, as was the case with former South Carolina Gamecock Kyle Kennard.

Kennard, who transferred from Georgia Tech to South Carolina as part of the 2024 transfer class, had a standout year in the garnet and black. While his on-field performance has certainly contributed to his rise as a top prospect, Kennard shared with the media just how much the Gamecocks program has helped him off the field.

“They kind of helped me with the seriousness of it,” Kennard explained. “They helped me get my mind orchestrated. They helped me with communications with the media and other things that you need to be ready for at this stage.”

As players like Kennard prepare for the upcoming draft in April, they will go through a series of team and media interviews. The development of their communication skills and professional media training plays a significant role in boosting their draft prospects.

The reigning Nagurski Trophy winner is expected to be picked within the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.

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“I’m a big fan of the Gamecocks”: RB Jayrean Campbell discusses his interest in South Carolina

Jayreon Campbell, a 2026 running back from McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Georgia, has recently expressed strong interest in the University of South Carolina Gamecocks. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 190 pounds, Campbell has garnered attention from several prominent programs, including Ole Miss, Georgia, Auburn, Michigan, Alabama, and Texas A&M. Notably, he holds an offer from South Carolina, reflecting the Gamecocks’ interest in his talents.

Campbell’s recruitment is highly competitive, with multiple schools vying for his commitment. His recent official visit to North Carolina has intensified the race, making it a closely contested battle between the Tar Heels and the Gamecocks. His father mentioned that Campbell is still evaluating his options, indicating that a decision has not yet been made.

The Gamecocks’ coaching staff, including running backs coach Montario Hardesty, is actively involved in Campbell’s recruitment. Their efforts to engage with Campbell underscore their commitment to strengthening the running back position for the upcoming seasons.

As Campbell continues to explore his options, the University of South Carolina remains a strong contender in his recruitment process. The outcome of his decision will be closely watched by fans and analysts, as it has the potential to significantly impact the Gamecocks’ future offensive strategies.