South Carolina Shines at NFL Combine with Record 11 Participants

The South Carolina Gamecocks made a statement at the 2025 NFL Combine, sending a record 11 players to Indianapolis—surpassing their previous high of seven since 2012. With a strong showing from multiple athletes, South Carolina could break its modern-era record for most NFL Draft picks in a single year (seven in 2009 and 2013).

Among the standout performers was Nick Emmanwori, who delivered a historic performance that solidified his first-round draft stock. Other Gamecocks, including T.J. Sanders, Kyle Kennard, and O’Donnell Fortune, also made strong cases for their draft potential. For those who didn’t receive combine invites, South Carolina’s Pro Day in March will serve as a crucial opportunity to impress scouts.

Nick Emmanwori: A Combine Star

• Height/Weight: 6-3, 220 lbs
• 40-Yard Dash: 4.38 seconds (#2 among safeties)
• Broad Jump: 11’ 6” (#1 SAF)
• Vertical Jump: 43” (#1 SAF)
• Bench Press: 20 reps (#1 SAF)

Emmanwori, a product of Irmo High, delivered one of the most electrifying performances in recent memory. According to NBC Sports, he is the only safety in combine history to run a sub-4.4 40-yard dash, record a 43-inch vertical, and notch an 11-foot+ broad jump. His athleticism has all but guaranteed him a first-round selection.

Key South Carolina Performers at the NFL Combine

O’Donnell Fortune, CB

• Height/Weight: 6-1, 185 lbs
• Broad Jump: 9’ 9” (T-18 CB)
• Vertical Jump: 32.5” (T-16 CB)
• Notes: South Carolina’s top 2024 cornerback recorded three interceptions and showcased elite instincts. However, he did not run the 40-yard dash, opting to do so at Pro Day. Projected as a Day 3 pick.

Demetrius Knight, LB

• Height/Weight: 6-2, 235 lbs
• 40-Yard Dash: 4.58 seconds (#7 LB)
• Three-Cone Drill: 7.12 seconds (#3 LB)
• Bench Press: 22 reps (#3 LB)
• Notes: The Charlotte transfer became a fan favorite in Columbia, tallying 82 tackles and sealing a Palmetto Bowl win with an interception against Clemson.

Bam Martin-Scott, LB

• Height/Weight: 6-2, 231 lbs
• 40-Yard Dash: 4.63 seconds (#12 LB)
• Broad Jump: 10’ 2” (#6 LB)
• Three-Cone Drill: 7.26 seconds (#5 LB)
• Notes: A versatile defender, Martin-Scott recorded 67 tackles in 2024 and transitioned from a 3-3-5 scheme to an every-down linebacker. Expected to be a late-round selection.

Kyle Kennard, DE

• Height/Weight: 6-4, 254 lbs
• 40-Yard Dash: 4.73 seconds (#14 DE)
• Bench Press: 23 reps (#10 DE)
• Notes: The Georgia Tech transfer was dominant, recording 11.5 sacks and establishing himself as one of the nation’s best edge rushers. While his 40-time was slower than expected, his game tape should ensure he’s a Day 2 pick.

T.J. Sanders, DT

• Height/Weight: 6-4, 297 lbs
• Broad Jump: 9’ 4” (T-7 DT)
• Three-Cone Drill: 7.70 seconds (No. 7 DT)
• Notes: With over 90 tackles and 16.5 tackles for loss in two seasons, Sanders is a force in the trenches. Expected to be one of the first Gamecocks selected on Day 2.

Tonka Hemingway, DT

• Height/Weight: 6-3, 284 lbs
• Broad Jump: 9’ 4” (T-7 DT)
• Three-Cone Drill: 7.36 seconds (No. 2 DT)
• Notes: A five-year veteran, Hemingway recorded 112 career tackles and 17.5 tackles for loss. Likely a Day 3 pick.

Josh Simon, TE

• Height/Weight: 6-4, 239 lbs
• 40-Yard Dash: 4.65 seconds (#2 TE)
• Broad Jump: 10’ 4” (#2 TE)
• Vertical Jump: 38” (#2 TE)
• Notes: South Carolina’s leading 2024 pass-catcher (40 receptions, 500+ yards, 7 TDs) put up elite numbers. However, with a deep tight end class, his draft status remains uncertain.

Rocket Sanders, RB

• Height/Weight: 6-0, 217 lbs
• 40-Yard Dash: 4.46 seconds (#14 RB)
• Vertical Jump: 36.5” (#11 RB)
• Notes: A powerful runner with nearly 900 rushing yards in 2024, Rocket Sanders showcased solid speed for his size. Expected to be a Day 2 selection.

Torricelli Simpkins III, OL

• Height/Weight: 6-5, 312 lbs
• 40-Yard Dash: 5.60 seconds (No. 29 of 29 OL)
• Broad Jump: 9’ 2” (T-12 OL)
• Vertical Jump: 29” (T-19 OL)
• Notes: The North Carolina A&T transfer played right guard for South Carolina, starting all 13 games. He could be a late-round selection or undrafted free agent.

Kai Kroeger, Punter

• Notes: While not an official combine invitee, Kroeger participated in the NFL Specialist Showcase and reportedly posted the highest hang time (5.4 seconds). His strong college career (61 games, 265 punts) makes him a potential late-round pick.

Pro Day and Final Draft Outlook

Several Gamecocks who were not invited to the combine, including LB Debo Williams, RB Juju McDowell, and LS Hunter Rogers, will have their chance to perform in front of scouts at South Carolina’s Pro Day in March.

With a historic number of participants and standout performances, South Carolina is poised to have one of its best NFL Draft classes in years, potentially surpassing its seven-pick record from 2009 and 2013.