Tonight, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw will become the NFL’s next first-round pick from the University of South Carolina football program. The senior had a monster year in 2019, leading the team in sacks, on his way to All-Conference and All-America honors.
When selected, Kinlaw will become the 14th Gamecock alum to be chosen in the first round. Of those players, two have been top overall picks, and another six were chosen inside the top 15.
Eight of the selections have come since the turn of the century, with the other five coming prior to 2000. The list consists of some of the program’s all-time greats, including a Heisman trophy winner, Ted Hendricks award winner, and numerous NCAA All-Americans.