Gamecock Edge Rusher Kyle Kennard Selected by Los Angeles Chargers in 2025 NFL Draft

Columbia athletics has announced that Kyle Kennard, a standout edge rusher from the University of South Carolina, was chosen by the Los Angeles Chargers with the 23rd pick in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Kennard, a 6-4 1/8, 262-pounder from Atlanta, Ga., spent four years at Georgia Tech before concluding his collegiate career at South Carolina, where he earned an impressive record of 143 career tackles, 37.0 tackles for loss, and 24.0 sacks. His decorated season at South Carolina saw him win the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy, and SEC Defensive Player of the Year Awards, among others.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kyle Kennard, a University of South Carolina edge rusher, was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers with the 23rd pick in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
  • Kennard, a 6-4 1/8, 262-pounder from Atlanta, Ga., spent four years at Georgia Tech and completed his collegiate career at South Carolina.
  • In his lone season as a Gamecock, Kennard logged 28 tackles, including 15.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks, setting a school record for sacks in a single season.
  • Kennard led the SEC in sacks and tackles for loss, tied for fourth in fumbles forced, and tied for fourth in fumbles recovered.
  • He was a finalist for the Lombardi Award, the Chuck Bednarik Award, and Walter Camp Player of the Year and was named first-team All-America by multiple organizations.
  • Kennard earned his degree in services management in December 2024 and was named to the CSC Academic All-America first team and the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll.

Statistics:

  • Kennard was credited with 143 career tackles.
  • He recorded 37.0 tackles for loss and 24.0 sacks throughout his collegiate career.
  • Kennard logged 28 tackles in his lone season at South Carolina, including 15.5 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks.
  • He forced three fumbles and recovered two.
  • Kennard led the SEC in sacks and tackles for loss in his final season at South Carolina.

Sources:

  • University of South Carolina: NASports.org (no date provided)
  • National Football League: (no reference to a specific source provided)