The 2025 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. South Carolina EDGE Kyle Kennard plans on taking full advantage. Kennard recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Kennard also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his pass rush arsenal, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Kennard better ahead of his journey to the Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite and what was your initial reaction?
Kyle Kennard: I was at the football facility at South Carolina. We were in a team meeting. Our head coach Shane Beamer was talking about how hard work always pays off. He then called me and my teammates up for our Reese’s Senior Bowl invite. It felt great, it felt like my hard work had been recognized.
JM: That sounds like a special moment. What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Kyle Kennard: It’s a terrific opportunity for me to showcase my skills on an even bigger stage. I know we played 12 brutal games in the SEC. That’s a stepping stone, a chance to show how you compete.
But playing in the Senior Bowl gives me a different dynamic against a lot of top-end competition we didn’t see during the season. I’m looking forward to seeing some new faces and highlighting myself in front of NFL scouts.
JM: Speaking of scouts, what are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Kyle Kennard: Most importantly, I want the scouts to see that I love the game of football. Watching my tape, I’m sure they’ve seen that I have the ability. I’m sure they see flashes of dominance. I want them to see it in person while also allowing my personality to shine through. I’m going to show them that I really love football.
JM: You took a big step forward this past season, totaling a career-high 11.5 sacks. What changed for you in 2024?
Kyle Kennard: Probably just my mentality. I feel like I’ve always played good football on tape. That’s always the goal, right? I feel like my off-field mentality was the biggest change. I put the work in to go where I want to go. It felt like a now-or-never thing
JM: How would you describe your pass-rush arsenal? What go-to moves and counters led to that production?
Kyle Kennard: I can’t describe my arsenal. It’s indescribable. It’s versatile. I’ll just say that.
JM: Are you a speed guy? Speed to power?
Kyle Kennard: You could say that.
JM: Would you compare yourself to any rushers at the next level? Who do you enjoy watching and learning from?
Kyle Kennard: I probably wouldn’t compare myself to anyone. I watch a lot of tape though. Some of my favorites are the obvious names, Maxx Crosby, Micah Parsons, and T.J. Watt. I’m a big fan of Trey Hendrickson as well.
JM: Are you looking forward to swapping jerseys with anybody at the next level?
Kyle Kennard: Probably some of my friends, my old teammates. Keion White comes to mind. We were at Georgia Tech together. I was at Tech with Jahmyr Gibbs as well. I’m excited to see him, and Juanyeh Thomas as well.
JM: Now that you’ve had time to think about it, how do you reflect on the decision to transfer from Georgia Tech to South Carolina?
Kyle Kennard: I feel like it was a great decision for me. I enjoyed my time at Georgia Tech and I’m thankful to them for the opportunity. The staff that was there at the time, they were very supportive. But I feel like coming to South Carolina was a great decision for me.
JM: What’s on Kyle Kennard’s pre-game playlist?
Kyle Kennard: I’m probably listening to Lil’ Baby before a game. He’s my favorite artist right now. He just dropped his new album, so I’ve been listening to that.
JM: This has been an outstanding conversation. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Kyle Kennard?
Kyle Kennard: I’m excited to go out there and show everyone why I belong at the next level. Whatever that may look like, that’s what a successful Senior Bowl means to me.