Kyle Kennard Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of CJ Driggers/Gamecock Central)
School: South Carolina
Class: Senior
Position: EDGE
HT: 6’4
WT: 254 lbs
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Background: Kyle Kennard is a 5th year senior for South Carolina out of Atlanta, Georgia. Kennard was a top 40 player at his position and a top 100 player in the state of Georgia in the class of 2020. Kyle played for Riverwood International Charter School, earning all-region honors as a senior. His team went to the state semifinals as a senior. Out of high school, Kyle Kennard committed to Georgia Tech over Wisconsin, Georgia, Tennessee, and others.
College: Kennard became a significant piece of the Georgia Tech defense towards the end of the 2020 season. In 2021, Kennard logged 3.5 TFLs and 2 sacks. His production increased in 2022, a season in which he made 9 starts. He had 36 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, and 2 sacks. He statistically exploded in 2023, recording 11 TFLs and 6 sacks for the Yellow Jackets. After an amazing season, Kennard transferred to South Carolina. Kennard had one of the most impressive 2024 seasons in the country for the Gamecocks. He recorded an eye-popping 15.5 TFLs and 11.5 sacks. He won the 2024 Bronco Nagurski Award as the nation’s best defensive player. He was an All-SEC First Team selection and a First Team All-American.
Strengths: Kyle Kennard brings rare athleticism to the edge. He brings possesses an ideal body composition for his position and he uses every ounce of it. Off the line, Kennard explodes into the pads of offensive linemen. He can use that explosiveness to set the edge off of his get off and win with pure speed. Kennard does not work himself too far up the field, never taking himself out of the play. Instead, he knows when to attack the inside shoulder of his opponent. In the phone booth, Kennard has active hands that he uses to consistently deconstruct blocks. He has multiple pass rushing moves and he uses all of them consistently. He displays good bend on the edge when trying to win with speed as he is able to get low to go under and around the grasp of the offensive tackle. He has solid straight-line speed which aids him in the pursuit of the quarterback in the backfield.
Weaknesses: Kennard is not as effective as he could be in the run game. He seems to have tunnel vision as a run defender. His only thoughts are on the football, leaving him susceptible to pancake blocks or other unexpected obstacles in open space. He also shows too much hesitation with play action or RPOs. Kennard can be slow to diagnose the play in the backfield. As a pass rusher, he is taken out of the play by double teams. He has not discovered a way for himself to win against anything more than a one-on-one matchup.
Conclusion: Kyle Kennard is an explosive athlete on the edge who brings great measurables. He has plenty of pass rushing moves and can win in a variety of ways. Whether it is with speed or strength, Kennard has found ways to get after the quarterback. He needs to improve as a run defender in order to be seen as a “do it all” player, but he has plenty of potential.
Scheme Fit: Base 4-3
Ideal Role: EDGE
Best Team Fits: CAR, TEN, ATL
Player Comparison: Josh Hines-Allen
Player Grade: Round 4 (68.4)
