Kinlaw named AP 1st Team All-American
University of South Carolina announced that senior defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw has been named to the first team All-America squad as selected by the Associated Press.
Kinlaw, a 6-6, 310-pound athlete hailing from Charleston, S.C., recorded 35 tackles and six sacks, tying for eighth in the SEC. He added four quarterback hurries, two pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and one blocked kick. The midseason All-American and was recognized as the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week in the upset win over Georgia.
Kinlaw, who will be representing the Gamecocks in the Reese's Senior Bowl in January, was previously named second-team All-America by USA TODAY, was a first-team All-SEC selection by the Southeastern Conference coaches, and was a second-team All-SEC selection by the AP. In addition, he was a second-team All-SEC selection and a third-team All-American, according to Pro Football Focus.
Kinlaw is also a projected first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft
Kinlaw becomes the 25th first-team All-American in South Carolina football history and the seventh in this decade, joining Alshon Jeffery (2010), Melvin Ingram (2011), Jadeveon Clowney (2012 and 2013), Kelcy Quarles (2013), A.J. Cann (2014) and Deebo Samuel (2018