Gamecock Legends Duce Staley & Jim Carlen Inducted into South Carolina Football Hall of Fame
The South Carolina Football Hall of Fame has unveiled its Class of 2024, and it features some legendary Gamecock names. Former South Carolina running back Duce Staley and former USC head coach and athletic director Jim Carlen are set to be inducted this April. In addition, star EDGE rusher Kyle Kennard will be honored as the 2024 Blanchard-Rogers Trophy winner.
A Star-Studded Induction Class
Staley and Carlen will be enshrined alongside some of the biggest names in South Carolina football history. The 2024 class includes:
- Troy Brown – South Carolina native and three-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots.
- Buddy Pough – Legendary South Carolina State coach and the program’s all-time wins leader.
- Jim Stuckey – Clemson All-American and two-time Super Bowl champion with the San Francisco 49ers.
The enshrinement ceremony will take place on April 17, 2025, at Hotel Hartness in Greenville, SC.
Gamecock Greats Take Their Place in History
Duce Staley: From USC Star to NFL Champion
A fan-favorite at South Carolina, Duce Staley made his mark as an All-SEC running back before moving on to a stellar NFL career. He became a multi-time 1,000-yard rusher with the Philadelphia Eagles and later won Super Bowl XL with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching, winning Super Bowl LII with the Eagles and now serving as the Cleveland Browns’ running backs coach. Staley’s impact extends beyond football, as his Catch 22 Foundation continues to support single mothers in the community.
Jim Carlen: The Architect of South Carolina’s Rise
As USC’s head coach from 1975–1981, Jim Carlen helped elevate the program, leading the Gamecocks to some of their best seasons in history. His tenure saw two of USC’s first three eight-win campaigns, and he was the head coach when George Rogers won the Heisman Trophy. Carlen also recruited and coached Gamecock legends like Rick Sanford, Willie Scott, and Rogers, all of whom became first-round NFL Draft picks.
Kyle Kennard: The Nation’s Top Defender
Kyle Kennard had one of the most dominant defensive seasons in Gamecock history. The transfer EDGE rusher became just the fifth South Carolina player to earn consensus All-American honors and was named the Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner, awarded to the nation’s top defensive player. Kennard will be recognized as the 2024 Blanchard-Rogers Trophy winner, given to the most outstanding college football player with South Carolina ties.
More Than Just Football
Along with the 2024 inductees, the SCFHOF will also honor:
- Sabrina Greenlee – Named 2024 Humanitarian of the Year for her work empowering domestic violence survivors through the S.M.O.O.T.H. Foundation.
- 2025 Bridge Builder Excellence Award Finalists – Recognizing student-athletes who exemplify leadership, academic success, and community impact.
A Night to Remember
The 12th Annual Enshrinement Ceremony promises to be a historic celebration of South Carolina football greatness. With Gamecock legends, Super Bowl champions, and coaching icons set to be honored, this event will shine a spotlight on the rich football tradition in the Palmetto State.
