South Carolina Gamecocks Take Over the 2025 NFL Combine—Nick Emmanwori Steals the Show!
The 2025 NFL Combine is in full swing, and South Carolina Football has made its presence known in Indianapolis. With 11 Gamecocks showcasing their talents in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and decision-makers, South Carolina could break its all-time record for draft selections. The program’s previous best was seven players drafted in both 2009 and 2013—a mark that could easily be surpassed in April.
One more Gamecock, punter Kai Kroeger, is also in town for the NFL Combine Specialist Showcase, giving South Carolina an even bigger footprint at the event.
Nick Emmanwori – A Combine Performance for the Ages!
South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori turned heads with one of the most jaw-dropping performances in NFL Combine history.
- Height/Weight: 6’3⅛, 220 lbs
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.38 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 43 inches
- Broad Jump: 11’6”
This athletic showcase was so rare and impressive that NBC’s Pro Football Talk reported he is the only safety in Combine history to run a sub-4.4 40-yard dash, jump over 43 inches in the vertical, and clear 11 feet in the broad jump.
Even USA Today called his performance “arguably the best one ever” at the Combine. Meanwhile, ESPN Research noted that Emmanwori joined an exclusive list of players 6’3” or taller to post elite speed and explosiveness, a club that includes DK Metcalf and Tariq Woolen.
His Relative Athletic Score (RAS), a metric comparing athleticism across all prospects, ranked 10.0—the highest ever for a safety since 1987! Even when compared to cornerbacks and wide receivers, only Calvin Johnson ranked higher.
Already projected as a first-round pick, Mel Kiper listed Emmanwori as one of the top 18 risers after the Combine.
Emmanwori: “You’ve Never Seen a Safety Like Me”
Beyond his physical dominance, Emmanwori exudes confidence. When asked which NFL player he models his game after, he named Ravens All-Pro Kyle Hamilton.
“I’m 6-3, 223 like Hamilton. I’m a bigger dude, and I can run. I’m not scared to tackle, cover slots, tight ends—you name it.”
As for his draft stock, Emmanwori made it clear: “I don’t think you’ve ever seen a safety like me… with my size, speed, and ability.”
Kai Kroeger Impresses at Specialist Showcase
South Carolina punter Kai Kroeger turned in an elite performance at the NFL Specialist Showcase.
- Highest Hang Time: 5.4 seconds (NFL average: 4.7 seconds)
- Multiple punts over 5.0 seconds
“I had the highest hang time at the event, from what scouts told me,” Kroeger shared.
He also confirmed he had conversations with every NFL team, highlighting discussions with the Titans, Bills, Panthers, and Broncos.
Kyle Kennard’s Bold Prediction on Dylan Stewart
EDGE rusher Kyle Kennard had a dominant 2024 season, racking up 11.5 sacks, 28 tackles, and 15.5 tackles-for-loss. He credited South Carolina coach Sterling Lucas for “modernizing the game” for him.
But what really got fans talking? Kennard’s bold guarantee about his former teammate Dylan Stewart:
“He’s a top-10 lock, for sure.”
Rocket Sanders: A Versatile Weapon in the Backfield
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein praised Rocket Sanders as a powerful, three-down back:
- Strengths: Big frame, vision, one-cut ability, and inside running
- Concerns: Fumbles and pass protection
Zierlein believes he has the talent to be a featured runner in the NFL.
Demetrius Knight: The “Quarterback of the Defense”
Linebacker Demetrius Knight once played quarterback before transitioning to defense.
“I thought I’d be here as a quarterback,” Knight admitted. “But now, I’m the quarterback of the defense.”
He also issued a strong statement about South Carolina’s future:
“The Gamecocks are going to be a team to reckon with for years to come.”
Josh Simon: A Nightmare Matchup at Tight End
South Carolina tight end Josh Simon spoke at the Combine about his elite skill set:
- Led team in receiving yards (519) in 2024
- 57-yard catch vs. Texas A&M showcased his tackle-breaking ability
“My work ethic is through the roof,” Simon said. “I create mismatches and know where I need to be.”
Off the field, Simon also emphasized his maturity and reliability:
“I’ll be in the places I need to be and not in the places I don’t need to be.”
TJ Sanders: From Basketball Court to the Trenches
Defensive lineman TJ Sanders credited his basketball background for helping him develop elite quickness as a pass rusher.
“A lot of my inside moves come from basketball crossovers,” Sanders revealed.
Tonka Hemingway: The Multi-Sport Athlete Turned NFL Prospect
Hemingway, who played football, basketball, and baseball in high school, believes his versatility has helped him excel:
“It all comes together and helps me in football.”
O’Donnell Fortune: A Scheme-Versatile Corner
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein described O’Donnell Fortune as a fluid, instinctive cornerback with solid ball skills but noted that play strength could be an issue against physical receivers.
Bam Martin-Scott: Special Teams and Pass Rush Upside
While Bam Martin-Scott lacks experience, Zierlein sees him as a potential special teams contributor with some pass-rushing upside.
Torricelli Simpkins on Offensive Line Success: “Communication is Key”
Offensive lineman Torricelli Simpkins emphasized communication as the most important trait for an O-lineman.
“The way you talk with your line is the best thing possible for success,” Simpkins said.
DeAndre Jules: A Raw Talent with Size and Power
DeAndre Jules skipped on-field workouts but met with NFL teams. Zierlein sees him as a developmental prospect with intriguing physical tools.
Final Thoughts: South Carolina’s Record-Breaking Draft Class?
With 11 Gamecocks making their mark in Indianapolis, South Carolina has a real chance to break its all-time draft record. If performances like Nick Emmanwori’s are any indication, the Gamecocks will be a major storyline in April’s NFL Draft!
