PFF: Javon Kinlaw posts top grade in country for Week 4

Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw had the best game of any South Carolina player this season Saturday at Vanderbilt, according to Pro Football Focus' metrics.

The junior received a 97.1 grade for his performance which featured 5 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 tackles-for-loss, 2 forced fumbles, and a pass break-up in just 42 snaps played.

At the time of publishing, his mark also appears to be the highest PFF grade in the country for Week 4.

"I thought he played well," Will Muschamp said. "He was very disruptive, obviously. We wanted to create as many singles in protection as possible. When he gets singled up, he should win in singles -- that's what we expect."

Kinlaw, who posted a pass rush grade of 96.1, a run defense grade of 77.8 and a tackle grade of 75.2, will surely contend for SEC defensive player of the week honors and likely national awards as well.

Kinlaw missed the fourth quarter of the game after being tackled from behind, but has already been cleared to play next week against Kentucky.

South Carolina's highest rated offensive player this week is Shi Smith who posted a grade of 83.4.

What is PFF? Essentially, PFF is the marriage of the “But look at the stats!” and “I know what I saw” football watchers. PFF knows that not all stats are created equally. Thus, it seeks to judge players individually for their contributions on each play. Click here for an in-depth explanation.

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