South Carolina football star named finalist for prestigious award
South Carolina football senior Kyle Kennard has been named a finalist for the Lombardi Award. An honor given to the most outstanding player in college football who embodies character, discipline, and excellence on and off the field. Kennard, who is among the nation’s leaders in sacks and tackles for loss, is one of four finalists.
Last week, Kennard was named a semifinalist for the award and made the semifinal list for the Bednarik Award and the Walter Camp National Player of the Year.
The winner of the Lombardi Award will be announced in December.
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From the Lombardi Award press release:
The Lombardi Award™ Committee Releases the 4 Finalists:
HOUSTON (November 20, 2024) – The Lombardi Award™ Committee proudly announces the four finalists for the 2024 Lombardi Award™. Kelvin Banks Jr., University of Texas; Will Campbell, Louisiana State University; Abdul Carter, Pennsylvania State University; and Kyle Kennard, University of South Carolina, have been chosen from a preseason watchlist of over 90 standout college linemen across all FBS conferences and independents.
Kyle Kennard is proving to be an immediate force in the SEC, recording 10.5 sacks this season in his first year at South Carolina. He leads perhaps the most disruptive Gamecocks defensive line in years, putting himself in a position to break the school’s mark for sacks in a single season which was set by former first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney back in 2012. With his highly explosive pass-rushing skills, combined with his high motor, Kennard projects as a first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
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Kelvin Banks Jr. has been the picture of consistency and excellence in three years at Texas, having started 36 games at left tackle and yielding just 3 sacks during his time in Austin. He is a stalwart on the line of scrimmage for Texas, garnering many honors while on the “Forty Acres” including First-Team All-Big 12 and Freshman All-American status. His great protection has been instrumental to the development of the explosive Texas offense, and he is projected by many to be an early first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Will Campbell has been the anchor in the LSU offensive line since arriving on campus, starting every game as a true freshman and all 31 games to date at left tackle. He has earned First-Team All-SEC honors and has allowed just one sack in his entire career against elite competition. He was the first-ever offensive lineman to wear the No. 7 patch at LSU, reserved for team leaders and the best of the best. At just 20 years old, his technical skill, athleticism, and size project him as a strong NFL prospect with a long career.
Abdul Carter is a disruptive, athletic edge who has started 25 games for the Nittany Lions at linebacker and defensive end. Entering his 3rd year in Happy Valley, Carter earned First-Team All-Big Ten preseason honors and in 2024, has collected 8 sacks and forced 2 fumbles. With his speed and disruptive playstyle, he has cemented himself as one of the most dynamic defensive players in college football and is projected to be an early first-round NFL Draft selection.
