With single-season sack records in sight, South Carolina EDGE duo looking to stay productive against Clemson
When one thinks of South Carolina pass rushers, Jadeveon Clowney is almost always the first name that comes to mind. Clowney provided plenty of reasons why over his three-year career with the Gamecocks.
In addition to being a two-time First-Team All-American and a future No. 1 overall NFL Draft selection, Clowney finished his time in college with 24 sacks, which is currently third on South Carolina’s all-time leaderboard. He also holds the Gamecocks’ single-season marks for most sacks overall (13) and as a freshman (eight).
[GamecockCentral: Subscribe for $1 for 7 days]
Both those records could fall in 2024 – thanks to the edge-rushing duo of Kyle Kennard and Dylan Stewart, which has taken the college football world by storm.
“We know it’s in sight for both of us. We’re just talking about racing to get around to the QB,” Kennard said. “There’s some competitive bickering, like, ‘I’m going to get there.’ ‘You’re going to get there,’ and stuff like that. But nothing more than that.”
Heading into Saturday’s game against Clemson, Kennard and Stewart are exactly two sacks away from surpassing Clowney’s records. Kennard has logged 11.5 sacks across 11 appearances, while Stewart has registered 6.5 during that same timeframe.
But Kennard, despite this being his first season with South Carolina, understands the importance of the school’s rivalry with Clemson. Sack records aside, picking up a road win at Memorial Stadium will be the team’s primary focus.
“I knew the rivalry was intense. I figured – just because it’s a rivalry, anyway – that it would be intense. But I’m getting here and learning more about it… how different factors of the game have affected previous performances against them, and how we’re going to do better against them this week,” Kennard said. “I’m learning more about the history, and it’s meaning more to me.”
It was also a matchup between the Gamecocks and Tigers where Clowney had his one of his strongest individual games – specifically in 2012, when he recorded 4.5 sacks. Kennard said he has recently watched Clowney’s game film to prepare for this weekend.
Top 10
- 1
A Twisted Mess
Big 12 Championship scenarios
- 2Trending
Saban chirped
Big 12 comes after GOAT
- 3Hot
Underranked SEC
Lane Kiffin protests CFP rankings
- 4
UConn star hospitalized
Alex Karaban hospitalized at Maui Invitational
- 5
DJ Lagway
Fan flashes Florida QB to Pope
[Get our free newsletter! Don’t rely on search engines and social media for your Gamecock info.]
“He’s a lengthy, long edge rusher that I saw on tape. I was actually just watching his Clemson game,” Kennard said. “I see a lot of similarities with the way he plays with his length with me.”
Kennard and Stewart could eclipse Clowney’s marks with strong individual play against Clemson and the Gamecocks’ to-be-determined bowl game opponent. But Clayton White maintains that both players’ sole focus is on stopping the Tigers’ offense.
“For the most part, our guys… You may hear them talking about it or just wondering, ‘What would that be like?'” White said. “But I think that they’re really focusing on trying to make sure that we do a good job against against their O-line and keeping Cade (Klubnik) in the pocket, making sure he doesn’t get outside the pocket.”
White said South Carolina’s ultimate defensive goal is performing at the same level it has all season. In doing so, the Gamecocks will claim another victory, and Kennard and Stewart may be well on their way to becoming record-setters.
“Obviously, you want to continue the production that we have and keep it going,” White said. “Just make sure we’re playing smart football and understanding who we’re facing is how you get things done.”
