South Carolina senior pass rusher named semifinalist for Lombardi award
On Thursday, South Carolina senior pass rusher Kyle Kennard was named a semifinalist for the Lombardi Award. Given annually to the top lineman or linebacker in college football, the Lombardi Award included Kennard on a list of 12 semifinalists.
The Lombardi Award is, of course, named for the legendary Vince Lombardi.
No Gamecock has ever won the Lombardi Award. Kennard and the other semifinalists will see the list whittled down before an award ceremony in December.
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From the South Carolina Athletics press release:
University of South Carolina senior Edge rusher Kyle Kennard is one of 12 FBS players named as a semifinalist for the 2024 Lombardi Award™, the Lombardi Award™ Committee announced today.
Kennard, a 6-5, 245-pounder from Atlanta, Ga., ranks among the nation’s leaders in both sacks (8.5) and tackles for loss (12.5). He leads the SEC and is fifth in the country in sacks (1.06 per game) and leads the SEC and is fourth in the nation in tackles for loss with 1.6 per game. He was named to the Sporting News midseason All-America team and was named the nation’s 14th-best player by ESPN. He was a midseason third-team All-American according to College Football Network.
2024 marks the 51st anniversary of the award which has been handed out in Houston, Texas since its inception. This year’s award dinner will take place on December 11, 2024, and net proceeds from gala sponsorship and table sales are dedicated to supporting cancer research and families and patients battling cancer.
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The Lombardi Award™ was established in 1970 in memory of legendary coach Vince Lombardi. It is presented to outstanding linemen who best epitomize his values of leadership, courage, performance, and discipline on and off the field. These semifinalists are consistently showing the values of strength, agility, and football acumen in their respective positions.
The Lombardi Award™ represents much more than the distinction involved. It memorializes the perspiration, dedication, and perseverance of these exceptional athletes. As they compete on the gridiron, they inspire future generations of football players and continue the legacy of a coaching icon.
2024 Lombardi Award Semifinalists
AAC Army Kyle Lewis DL
AAC Boston College Donovan Ezeiruaku DE
AAC Navy Colin Ramos LB
ACC Virginia Tech Antwaun Powell-Ryland DL
Big 10 Iowa Jay Higgins LB
Big 10 Penn State Abdul Carter DE
SEC Georgia Mykel Williams LOLB
SEC LSU Will Campbell OT
SEC South Carolina Kyle Kennard Edge
SEC Tennessee James Pearce Jr. DE
SEC Texas A&M Nic Scourton DE
SEC Texas Kelvin Banks Jr OT
