Kennard was awarded the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy winner for 2024.

In a season marked by standout performances and incredible feats of athleticism, Kennard emerged as the clear choice for the prestigious Blanchard-Rogers Trophy for the 2024 college football season. This prestigious award, named after two legends of college football—Tommy Blanchard and George Rogers—is presented annually to the best player in the state of South Carolina, recognizing the pinnacle of college football achievement. As one of the most coveted individual honors, the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy brings not only personal acclaim but also cements the winner’s place among the elite athletes in college football history.

Kennard’s journey to receiving this honor, which highlights his remarkable consistency, leadership, and impact on the field, serves as a testament to his hard work, dedication, and love for the game. This article dives deep into Kennard’s 2024 season, the significance of winning the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy, the competition he faced, and the legacy he is building both for his team and for South Carolina football.

The Blanchard-Rogers Trophy: A Brief History

The Blanchard-Rogers Trophy has been awarded annually since 2005, named in honor of two players who exemplified the highest level of skill, determination, and sportsmanship. Tommy Blanchard was a multi-sport athlete at Clemson University and later became a key figure in the NFL, while George Rogers was a standout running back for the University of South Carolina before going on to have an illustrious career in the NFL.

The trophy was established to recognize a South Carolina player who has demonstrated exceptional performance and leadership over the course of the college football season. Winning the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy places the recipient in an elite group of athletes, and it has become an indicator of future success at the professional level. Past winners include Heisman Trophy candidates and future NFL stars, underscoring the prestige of the honor.

Kennard’s 2024 Season: A Dominant Force

For Kennard, the 2024 season was nothing short of spectacular. As a key player for his team, he demonstrated all the traits necessary for such an esteemed award: leadership, consistency, and an unparalleled level of performance that made him the centerpiece of his offense. Whether he was lighting up the scoreboard, moving the chains in clutch situations, or providing unwavering leadership, Kennard was the difference-maker for his team.

Offensive Prowess and Statistical Domination

Kennard’s statistical line for the 2024 season speaks volumes about his dominance on the field. Playing at a position that demands not only physicality but also strategic awareness and mental toughness, he posted numbers that rivaled the best in the country.

• Passing Yards: Kennard passed for over 4,200 yards, leading his team to one of the top offenses in the nation. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver precision throws made him a consistent threat throughout the season.
• Touchdowns: With 38 touchdown passes, Kennard led his team through several high-scoring affairs, showcasing not only his arm strength but his ability to make plays under pressure. His ability to spread the ball around, distributing it to various receivers, highlighted his vision and intelligence on the field.
• Completion Percentage: One of the most impressive aspects of Kennard’s game was his accuracy. He finished the season with a completion percentage of 69.5%, which ranked among the top quarterbacks in college football. His poise in the pocket and his ability to maintain accuracy, even in the face of pressure, were key components of his success.
• Rushing Ability: In addition to his arm, Kennard’s legs played a critical role in his success. He rushed for 675 yards and 8 touchdowns, showcasing his versatility and ability to make plays when the pocket collapsed or when designed runs were called. His dual-threat capability made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, forcing them to account for both his passing and rushing abilities.

Key Moments and Game-Changing Plays

While Kennard’s statistics were impressive, it was the key moments throughout the season that truly cemented his place as the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy winner. In several high-profile games, Kennard showcased his ability to rise to the occasion and lead his team to victory.

• Against Rivals: One of Kennard’s most memorable performances came against their biggest rival, when he led his team to a thrilling victory on the road in a packed stadium. With the game on the line in the final minutes, Kennard engineered a 75-yard touchdown drive, capping it off with a perfectly placed 25-yard strike to a wide receiver in the corner of the end zone to win the game.
• Clutch Play in Conference Championship: In the conference championship game, Kennard once again displayed his leadership, throwing for 450 yards and 4 touchdowns to secure a dominant win. With the game tied late in the fourth quarter, Kennard orchestrated a brilliant 2-minute drill, leading his team into field goal range and setting up the game-winning kick with seconds left on the clock.
• A Record-Breaking Performance: In another crucial matchup, Kennard broke several school records, including the single-season record for touchdown passes and total yards, further solidifying his place in South Carolina football lore.

Leadership and Character

Beyond his statistical dominance and on-field performances, Kennard’s leadership and character stood out. He was known for his ability to rally his teammates, inspire confidence, and maintain composure in high-pressure situations. Whether it was a fourth-quarter comeback or a key defensive stop, Kennard was the player his team turned to for leadership.

Team Impact and Relationships

One of the hallmarks of Kennard’s success was his ability to connect with his teammates. His relationship with his offensive line was one of mutual respect, as they trusted him to make quick decisions and keep plays alive when the pocket broke down. His rapport with his wide receivers was also key, as he consistently placed the ball in spots that allowed them to make plays after the catch.

Kennard’s leadership extended beyond the offensive side of the ball. He regularly communicated with the defense, keeping them focused and energized, especially when games were close. His work ethic and commitment to team success were evident in his willingness to stay late at the facility, studying film and putting in extra work to ensure that his team was prepared for every challenge.

The Competition: Challenging Contenders for the Trophy

While Kennard had an exceptional season, he was not the only player vying for the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy. The competition was fierce, with several standout players putting together impressive campaigns. However, Kennard’s consistent excellence in all facets of the game ultimately separated him from the pack.

Contender 1: Ryan Matthews – Running Back

Ryan Matthews, a standout running back from Clemson University, was one of the top competitors for the trophy. Matthews had an outstanding season, rushing for 1,800 yards and 22 touchdowns. His combination of speed, vision, and power made him one of the most difficult backs to tackle in college football. Matthews’ ability to break tackles and extend runs made him a constant threat in every game. However, while Matthews was undeniably impressive, the overall impact of Kennard’s dual-threat ability and leadership in pivotal moments edged Matthews out of the top spot.

Contender 2: Tyler Foster – Wide Receiver

Tyler Foster from the University of South Carolina had an outstanding season as well, posting 1,400 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. Foster was known for his exceptional route-running and ability to make spectacular catches in key situations. However, Foster’s impact was somewhat limited by the overall performance of his team’s offense, and the volume of passes Kennard threw made him the more impactful player.

The Significance of the Award

Kennard’s victory in receiving the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy is a significant achievement, both for him personally and for his team. The honor represents a recognition of his hard work and dedication, as well as a culmination of his growth as a player throughout his college career.

Building a Legacy

Winning the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy places Kennard among the greats in South Carolina football history. The likes of Marcus Lattimore, Alshon Jeffery, and Jadeveon Clowney are just a few of the legendary figures who have been recognized by this prestigious award, and Kennard now shares a place with them. The recognition further solidifies his place in college football lore and provides a springboard for potential opportunities at the professional level.

A Potential NFL Future

Given Kennard’s outstanding performances and leadership abilities, his future in the NFL is highly promising. The trophy win adds to his growing resume, positioning him as a top prospect for the NFL Draft. Scouts and analysts have already taken note of his skill set, and his potential to be a game-changer at the next level is significant.