As we step into June and look back over the first half of 2025, the evolution of the defensive end position has been quite the spectacle, with some unexpected turns and standout performances. Leading the charge in surprise and skill is Kyle Kennard, the defensive end who seemingly came out of nowhere to claim the prestigious Nagurski Trophy.
This time last year, the buzz around Kennard was growing, especially among South Carolina fans eager for a breakout defensive star. However, few predicted he would storm the field with such authority that he’d end up the top defensive player in college football. It’s a testament to his hard work and the guidance of South Carolina’s staff, particularly Sterling Lucas. Kennard’s journey is also a nod to Georgia Tech for spotting his potential and setting the stage for his collegiate success over four years.
The narrative took another intriguing twist when Jim Harbaugh picked up Kennard with the 125th overall selection in this year’s NFL Draft. In hindsight, if you’d told us last year that Kennard would be a fourth-round pick, the general sentiment might’ve been, “Good on him; he must’ve had a solid season.” Yet, given his stellar 2024 performance, questions naturally arose about why he didn’t go higher.
Interestingly, amidst Kennard’s rise, it’s important to note that he wasn’t even the top defensive end on his team in terms of raw talent. That recognition goes to a teammate who managed to dodge offseason poaching attempts and will rejoin South Carolina this season, much to the relief of the Gamecock faithful.
As we move forward, the recruiting trail promises to be just as thrilling. With players like Kennard setting the bar high, incoming talent will have big shoes to fill. But if the first half of 2025 is any indication, the defensive end position is thriving with potential and excitement as new players rise to the challenge.
