South Carolina All-American Nick Emmanwori exuding confidence at NFL Combine
South Carolina All-American Nick Emmanwori is one of 12 total Gamecocks in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine this week. On Thursday, the dynamic safety had his chance to speak with the media, and Emmanwori appears confident heading into Friday’s on-field workouts.
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During his time in front of a microphone, the press asked Emmanwori to which NFL player he compares and models his game. His answer? Ravens All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton.
“I’m 6-3, 223 (like Hamilton),” he said. “I’m a bigger dude, and I can run. So, like, I’m not really scared to go make tackles, I’m not scared to cover any slots, I’m not scared to cover any tight ends.”
Hamilton, who has been selected to two All-Pro teams in three professional seasons, is considered one of the most complete and versatile safeties in the NFL. Emmanwori brings a similar package to the table.
During his three-year South Carolina football career, Emmanwori led the Gamecocks in tackles in two seasons (he was second in tackles-per-game in the other) and totaled six interceptions over his final 15 games in garnet and black. Like Hamilton, Emmanwori has played over the top, in the box, in the slot at nickel, and wide on receivers.
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While comparing himself to Hamilton displays his confidence, Nick Emmanwori wasn’t done making bold declarations.
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Projected by some to be the class’ top safety, Emmanwori thinks he should go early in April’s draft. “I don’t think you’ve ever seen a safety like me…with my size, my speed, and my ability.” He added, “Growing up I used to play corner, so my footwork is probably the best of this safety class.”
Known as one of the faster players on South Carolina’s team in recent years, it also came as no surprise that the media asked the Irmo native about running the 40-yard dash at the combine. Emmanwori confirmed that he plans to work out on Friday. When asked specifically about how fast he expects to run, the potential first-round pick didn’t hesitate with his response. “4.3,” he said. For those wondering, running in the 4.3s would be faster than Hamilton’s NFL Combine numbers (he ran in the 4.5s).
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Emmanwori’s confidence has served him well in his football journey, and he has reason to continue feeling confident. He should be one of the top overall performers at this year’s NFL Combine. That, combined with his All-American career, should prove to put him in a good position heading into the draft.
If Emmanwori hears his name called in the first round, he will become just the second South Carolina safety taken that high in the draft. Combo safety/corner Rick Sanford went in the first round (pick 25) to the New England Patriots back in 1979.
