Charlotte, NC (November 8, 2025) - When you watch Kenyon Garner line up for Livingstone College, there’s an unmistakable intensity before the snap, a quiet confidence that says you’re about to have a long day. The nation’s leader in sacks, Garner has become one of the most feared defenders in Division II football, yet he carries himself with calm humility and an unshakable belief in faith, work, and purpose.
Q&A with Kenyon Garner, Interviewed by Matisse Lee, CIAA
1. You’re leading the nation in sacks. What does that accomplishment mean to you personally?
I’m so humble; I tell myself I am the best. Believing in my work, trusting God. I’m really enjoying the moment.
2. You’ve been disruptive all season long. Is there a particular game or moment that stands out as a turning point?
Yes, our game against Charleston. It may not show up because it was a loss, but losses are lessons. We learned from that game. They were a top team, and I was able to dominate them. That meant a lot because it showed me; I could play with them, dominate against them, and that I was meant for this.
3. When you line up before the snap, what are you reading or looking for that gives you an edge?
I can’t tell you all my secrets, lol. Just know by the time the ball is snapped, I know everything I need to know. Sometimes they make it easy, sometimes it takes me a little longer, but yeah, I can’t give you the keys to the street.
4. What does your weekly preparation look like, from film study to the weight room to perform at this elite level?
All of that is important. For me, conditioning is key. I can’t afford to take a play off, so I run a lot in my free time a few miles before and after practice. I try to be in the best shape of my life. Film study is critical too; Coach Gilbert helped me realize that. Never underestimate studying the game. My motto is “kill an ant with TNT.” Never assume, study the game, and treat every opponent the same. Each game is a championship game.
5. Who has played a major role in helping you develop as a pass rusher, a coach, teammate, or mentor?
Coach Gilbert showed me what I could become. He believed in me, gave me the game plan, and waited to see if I was really invested. Coach Davis from my hometown, after my 8-hour shifts working this summer, he still pushed me through high-level workouts. He believed in me and wanted the best for me.
6. Sacks and tackles for loss are game changers what goes through your mind when you make that big play?
After the second or third sack, that rushing feeling goes away because I’ve usually got it figured out. Tackles for losses are my favorite. That means I’ve out schemed the offense or the coach, and that’s a feeling I’ll never get tired of.
7. What drives you to keep improving even when you’re already at the top statistically?
I’m not even close to my peak. This is honestly my first year playing defensive end. I’m enjoying the process. The sky is not the limit for me.
8. How do you stay locked in when opponents are specifically game planning to slow you down?
Like Coach says when I get frustrated: “Welcome to the real world.” It’s not always going to go my way, but I’m not selfish. I cheer for my teammates who are doing great things too. This isn’t a one-man show. I’m proud of my guys.
9. What kind of legacy do you want to leave at Livingstone College?
I want to be legendary. No disrespect to those who came before me, they paved the way. But I want to be known as the best to ever do it.
10. How has the team’s culture or chemistry contributed to your personal success?
The coaches make it easy here. I’m not a big rah-rah guy; I don’t talk much I just get it done. In the classroom and on the field, I lead by example. My mom doesn’t care about football hype. She’ll say, “Oh, ranked in the nation? Okay good… how are your grades?” She wants me to graduate and get that degree.
Coach’s Corner — Coach Gilbert on Kenyon Garner
"Last year Kenyon played both sides of the ball. He trained hard over the summer, came back leaner, and moved into this new position. The biggest thing about this young man is that he’s coachable and he stays coachable. He’s hungry, with a real appetite and thirst for growth. My job is to make him even more comfortable and confident so he can sustain success, no one wants to be a one-hit wonder.
He carries the intangibles you can’t teach. He’s evolving, and I’m very proud of him. He’s a silent leader and it works because you need those guys whose work ethic and game speak louder than words. Here at Livingstone, we approach every game as a championship game. Our method, our preparation, our plan never changes all gas, no brakes. This honor means a lot to Livingstone College. We’re proud of him, and it shows recruits that this is a place where you can grow and become a great teammate. Coach Williams does a great job with those guys, and I’m proud of their growth.”
Media Contact
Anna M. Butzlaff
Associate Commissioner, Strategic Communications
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
abutzlaff@theciaa.com
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first and longest running African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, for both 2018 and 2019.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member institutions: Bowie State University, Bluefield State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.