How Kyle Kennard went from Gamecocks newcomer to team leader in first months on campus

Kyle Kennard grew up in Atlanta and starred at Riverwood International Charter School in nearby Sandy Springs. He signed with Georgia Tech, staying close to home for his first four years of college.

He started 20 games and played in 42 for the Yellow Jackets during that time. But when it came time for his “bonus” year of eligibility due to the COVID pandemic of 2020, he started thinking that maybe a change would benefit him as a person and a football player.

That landed him with South Carolina as an edge defensive end with the hopes of building on a 2023 season that included six sacks and 11 tackles for loss.

“When I started this process, I wanted to commit to the school that I thought had the coach that would develop me the most as a man off the field and a player on the field,” Kennard said. “A big testament to coach (Sterling) Lucas because he was a big reason I came here. The staff can help me become a better young man.”

Sterling Lucas watched the film and saw the possibilities in the 6-foot-5, 254-pound Kennard.

“The biggest thing is just some different techniques that we coach here,” Lucas said. “I mentioned this back in the spring, but we’ve worked with him on changing his stance. We talk about a jet mode stance, when it’s a pass rush opportunity, get him in more of a track stance and getting his butt up in the air. Last year, I think, he had six sacks, but he really should have had double digits. We’re working on his finishing techniques that can take him to the next level.”

Kennard arrived on campus in January and became a vital part of the team in just a short time. His teammates look up to someone who played in the ACC and has started at least three games a season since his true freshman campaign in 2020.

He’s very active, and that shows by some of the numbers he put up at Georgia Tech. He recorded 21.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks in his time there, but that only tells part of the story. Last season alone, he was credited with two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception. He had four sacks against Wake Forest.

That experience has added to a revamped edge position at USC that is looking to improve on the sack numbers created last season. Kennard earned the team’s spirit award on defense this past spring, an honor that recognizes leadership.

“I emphasized coming in, not taking a back seat to being a leader and being vocal,” he said. “I kind of did that at Georgia Tech and coming here I wasn’t going to shy away from that role. It’s a testament to guys that were already here. They embraced me and allowed me to have a voice.

“I wanted to be noticed not for just being vocal but for someone to follow and be a great leader. Earning the spirit award showed me that people are seeing it.”

USC added Kennard, the returning Gilber Edmond (who transferred to Florida State for 2023 after having played with the Gamecocks before that) and five-star Dylan Stewart to the edge position. Lucas said having experienced players like Kennard and Edmond in the rotation makes a difference.

When asked what set Kennard apart, Lucas was quick to answer.

“It’s from his work ethic,” Lucas said. “He’s a veteran guy, a veteran presence in the room. He’s played a lot of football. Just the way he goes about his work. The guys accepted him very quickly based on the way that he works.”