Kyle Kennard wins Bronko Nagurski trophy. South Carolina edge rusher honored in Charlotte

Helluva ballplayer. Helluva pick-up in the transfer portal last year.

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The Gamecocks’ standout defensive end was named the best defensive player in college football on Monday night at the Charlotte Convention Center.

What USC’s Kyle Kennard said about decision on Citrus Bowl, USC

Kennard hasn’t made up his mind yet on if he will play in South Carolina’s bowl game. In Charlotte on Monday night as a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Award — given annually to the nation’s top defensive player

— Kennard said he still has not made his decision about whether or not he’ll play in the Citrus Bowl. Kennard told The State it will come down to a “consultation with my family.”

The Gamecocks will play Illinois in Orlando on Dec. 31. Kennard, a Georgia Tech transfer, had a breakout season in his lone year for the Gamecocks. He finished with 28 tackles (15.5 for loss), a team-high 11.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

“I feel like South Carolina gave me a platform to do what I’ve been doing, so I’ll always be grateful and cherish that forever,” Kennard said. “I’ll cherish the relationships I’ve made here, even though it was a short period of time, as far as in the college football world, I’ve made lifelong connections here."

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What other SEC ballplayers were recognized last night? Any others?

The finalists for the above award were Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron, Penn State defensive end Adbul Carter, Michigan defensive tackle Mason Graham and South Carolina edge rusher Kyle Kennard.