One Gamecock a projected first rounder in early 2020 mock draft

The South Carolina football team got a boost when Javon Kinlaw rather gruffly informed the world he’d be forgoing a chance at the 2019 NFL draft and would return to school.

But could his pro prospects get a boost from it as well?

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler projected Kinlaw as a 2020 first rounder in his early 2020 Mock Draft. He had Kinalw going No. 21 to the Minnesota Vikings.

“A disruptive force in the middle of the Gamecocks’ defensive line, Kinlaw accounted for 10.0 tackles for loss last season,” Brugler wrote. “His height works against him at times, but he flashes quickness to knife through gaps and find the ball carrier.”

Kinlaw had an up-and-down junior season, getting slowed by a hip injury and a few other nicks. He posted 38 tackles, 10 for loss and 4 1/5 sacks and five pass break-ups in 12 games.

The 6-foot-6, 295 pounder had worked his way into the lineup the season before, making 20 tackles and showing a good bit of promise.

He was a four-star recruit out of Goose Creek High School and committed to Will Muschamp in the staff’s first cycle. But he had to go to junior college, decommitted for a stretch, looked at Alabama and ultimately ended up back in Columbia.

Kinlaw projects to be part of a deep and talented defensive front that includes the likes of Keir Thomas, Rick Sandidge, Kobe Smith and five-star freshman Zacch Pickens.