University of South Carolina defensive back Nick Emmanwori was named to the first-team All-America squad as selected by the Associated Press, while edge rusher Kyle Kennard earned second-team honors, it was announced today.
Emmanwori, a 6-3, 227-pound junior from Irmo, S.C., led the Gamecocks with 83 tackles, 10th in the SEC this season, including 3.0 tackles for loss. He logged an SEC-leading four interceptions, returning two for touchdowns.
Emmanwori was a first-team All-American according to the Reese’s Senior Bowl and was a second-team selection by the FWAA and CBS Sports. He has been a first-team All-SEC performer according to the league’s 16 coaches, the AP, USA TODAY and College Football Nation.
Kennard, a 6-5, 254-pound senior from Atlanta, Ga., posted 15.5 tackles for loss including 11.5 sacks during the 2024 season. Both marks led the Southeastern Conference, and his sack total ranked sixth in the nation. His single-season sack total also ranks second in school history behind Jadeveon Clowney’s 13.0 in 2012, while his tackles for loss total is the school’s fourth-highest single-season mark. Kennard was also credited with 10 quarterback hurries and forced three fumbles.
Kennard, who was recognized as the Nagurski Trophy winner, has been named a Walter Camp, AFCA and a Reese’s Senior Bowl first-team All-American. He was both the Associated Press and the SEC Coaches’ choice as SEC Defensive Player of the Year and was a first-team All-SEC selection by the AP, the Coaches and the USA TODAY. He is a finalist for the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy, widely regarded as the “South Carolina Heisman” and has accepted an invitation to play in the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl.
First-team offense
Wide receivers — Nick Nash, San Jose State, senior, 6-3, 195, Irvine, California; Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona, junior, 6-5, 212, Waimanalo, Hawaii; Xavier Restrepo, Miami, senior, 5-10, 198, Coconut Creek, Florida.
Tackles — Kelvin Banks, Texas, junior, 6-3, 320, Humble, Texas; Will Campbell, LSU, junior, 6-6, 323, Monroe, Louisiana.
Guards — Addison West, Western Michigan, senior, 6-3, 305, Cary, Illinois; Willie Lampkin, North Carolina, senior, 5-11, 290, Lakeland, Florida.
Center — Jake Slaughter, Florida, junior, 6-5, 308, Sparr Florida.
Tight end — Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green, junior, 6-4, 230, Canton, Ohio.
Quarterback — Cam Ward, Miami, senior, 6-2, 223, West Columbia, Texas.
Running backs — u-Ashton Jeanty, Boise State, junior,…
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