Shane Beamer confirms one South Carolina football player to skip Citrus Bowl
On Wednesday, South Carolina football coach Shane Beamer spoke to the media. During his time in front of the microphones, he confirmed some news Gamecock fans had been expecting. According to Beamer, consensus All-American EDGE rusher Kyle Kennard will not play in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. He is expected to be a high pick in April’s NFL Draft.
Kennard, who won the Bronko Nagurski Award as the top defensive player in the country and has made virtually every All-American and All-SEC team out there, declared for the NFL Draft last week. He did not confirm his status for the bowl, so Beamer eliminated any potential confusion on Wednesday.
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The 2024 season was a special one for Kennard. The former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket transferred in last offseason but became a legend in just one year. Kennard led the SEC in sacks (11.5) and tackles for loss (16). Both of those numbers were top 10 nationally.
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Beamer added that there is one other player “still weighing his decision.” He said that the rest of the players on the South Carolina roster have told him that they plan on playing in the Citrus Bowl.
Both redshirt junior TJ Sanders and junior defensive back Nick Emmanwori will be high draft picks and either could be deciding about his bowl game status. The duo each have another year of eligibility if they elect to take it. Several seniors are on the NFL Draft radar, as well.
