Gamecock All-American brings home "South Carolina Heisman"
On Thursday, South Carolina football All-American Kyle Kennard was chosen as the winner of the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy.
Known by some as the “South Carolina Heisman,” the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy is named after Heisman Trophy winners Doc Blanchard (from McColl, South Carolina and played at Army) and George Rogers (played for the South Carolina Gamecocks). The honor goes to the top collegiate football with ties to the Palmetto State, typically reserved for players native to the state or who play their college ball in the state.
The Blanchard-Rogers Trophy is one of a long list of awards Kennard earned with his stellar 2024 season. Following his transfer from Georgia Tech, the senior Gamecock led the SEC in sacks (11.5) and tackles for loss (15.5) en route to consensus All-American honors, several SEC Player of the Year selections, and the Bronko Nagursky Trophy.
Kennard is expected to be a top-100 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
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From the South Carolina Athletics release:
The South Carolina Football Hall of Fame (SCFHOF) proudly announces Kyle Kennard as the winner of the 2024 Blanchard-Rogers Trophy. This trophy is awarded to the state of South Carolina’s most outstanding collegiate football player each season. Kennard’s storied collegiate career produced one of the best player performances in Gamecock football history, naming him the winner of this distinguished trophy. Kennard will be presented with this honor by Ellison Kibler Merrill Lynch during the 12th Annual SCFHOF Enshrinement at Hotel Hartness on April 17, 2025.
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Kyle Kennard made an immediate impact at the University of South Carolina when he transferred from Georgia Tech, becoming the school’s first-ever Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner. He was a dominant force on defense, earning SEC Defensive Player of the Year honors and the first-team All-America recognition from multiple outlets. Starting all 12 regular season games, he recorded 28 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 11.5 sacks – leading the SEC in both categories while also forcing three fumbles and recovering two. He had a season-high seven tackles against Alabama, which included 3.0 tackles for loss and 2 sacks, solidifying his status as one of the nation’s top defenders. Kyle Kennard’s remarkable performance throughout the 2024 season embodies the excellence the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy represents, cementing his legacy in Gamecock history. As he prepares for the next chapter of his football career, SCFHOF proudly recognizes his achievements and contributions to the sport here in South Carolina.
Mr. Kennard is represented by McRae Sports Group and is confirmed to participate in the NFL Combine later in February and the NFL Draft April 24-26th.
The Blanchard-Rogers Trophy, named after Heisman Trophy winners Felix “Doc” Blanchard and George Rogers, was established to honor the state of South Carolina’s most outstanding collegiate football player each season.
