South Carolina Players Shine on Day 3 of NFL Draft
Green Bay, Wis. — April 26, 2025
The 2025 NFL Draft concluded with two standout players from the University of South Carolina making headlines on Day 3. Edge rusher Kyle Kennard was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers with the 23rd pick in the fourth round, marking him as the 125th overall pick. The 6-foot-4, 262-pounder hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, refined his talent during a five-year collegiate career split between Georgia Tech and South Carolina. Kennard’s impressive record includes 143 tackles, 37 tackles for loss, and 24 sacks across 54 games.
Kennard’s final season at South Carolina was remarkable; he became the first Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner in the school’s history and also clinched the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy as the state’s top college player. His accolades included first-team All-America honors from various prestigious organizations and recognition as both SEC Defensive Player of the Year by the AP and Coaches.
Joining Kennard in the NFL is defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway, who was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders as the 33rd pick of the fourth round (135th overall). A 6-foot-2, 282-pound native of Conway, South Carolina, Hemingway excelled over five seasons, participating in all 61 games and starting 28. He amassed 17.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, and made significant contributions in pass defense and fumble recoveries.
In 2024, Hemingway earned third-team All-SEC recognition and was celebrated for his community service contributions with the Community Service Award and the inaugural Ray Tanner Award. This draft day marks a significant achievement not just for Kennard and Hemingway, but for the South Carolina football program as they set their sights on a promising future in the NFL.
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