South Carolina player interviews and analyst comments from 2025 NFL Combine

The 2025 NFL Combine is underway. 11 Gamecocks (Nick Emmanwori, TJ Sanders, Kyle Kennard, Demetrius Knight, Rocket Sanders, O’Donnell Fortune, Josh Simon, Tonka Hemingway, Bam Martin-Scott, Torricelli Simpkins, and DeAndre Jules) are in Indianapolis to compete in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and decision-makers. Another, punter Kai Kroeger, is in town for the NFL Combine Specialist Showcase, as well.

The Gamecocks have a very real chance of breaking an all-time program record for draft selections. Back in 2009 and then again in 2013, South Carolina had seven players drafted. With 11 combine invitees also being a program record, seeing at least seven drafted in April would come as no surprise.

While the on-field work at the NFL Combine steals most of the show, teams and media will conduct interviews with players, as well. Below are excerpts from some of the Gamecocks’ public comments or comments made about the Gamecocks in Indianapolis. This is not a complete list and will be updated throughout the NFL Combine process.

Safety Nick Emmanwori

‘He ran like the Flash and jumped like an Olympian:’ Nick Emmanwori’s combine performance judged as one of the best ever

By Wes Mitchell, 3/3

The NFL world found out what South Carolina fans already knew — Gamecocks safety Nick Emmanwori is a freak athlete.

The former Irmo standout and three-year South Carolina starter was the talk of the NFL Combine this weekend but just how impressive was his performance?

Some say it was one of the best performances in NFL Combine history.

After measuring in at 6-foot-3⅛, 220-pounds, Emmanwori ran a blazing 4.38-second 40-yard dash to go along with a 43-inch vertical and 11′ 6″ broad jump.

A quick Google search of his name reveals just how much buzz Emmanwori created for himself.

According to NBC’s Pro Football Talk, he is the only safety in Combine history to run under 4.4 seconds in the 40 and jump over 43 inches in the vertical and over 11 feet in the broad.

A USA Today article — headlined “He ran like the Flash and jumped like an Olympian. A combine performance for the ages.” — said his performance was “arguably the best one ever” at the combine.

According to ESPN Research, Emmanwori joined Bryce Ford-Wheaton (2023), Tariq Woolen (2022), and DK Metcalf (2019) as one of just four players 6-foot-3 or taller to have topped 40 inches in the vertical jump and run a sub-4.4 in the 40 since 2003.

And then there’s the Relative Athletic Score or RAS — a metric created by Kent Lee Platte that seeks to measure the athleticism of each prospect compared to their peers at their position.

According to RAS, Emmanwori’s performance made him the single most athletic safety in the time period (1987-present) that the metric tracks.

His 10.0 score for the metric would have also carried over when compared to cornerbacks or wide receivers, with only Calvin Johnson beating him among wideouts.

Despite already being Mel Kiper’s No. 2 overall safety and a projected first round pick, the veteran analyst listed the former All-American as one of 18 players who are on the rise after the combine.

Read more from this story here.

South Carolina All-American Nick Emmanwori exuding confidence at NFL Combine

By Kevin Miller, 2/27

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.”

While comparing himself to Hamilton displays his confidence, Nick Emmanwori wasn’t done making bold declarations.

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).

Read more from this story here.

With NFL Combine here, ESPN analyst calls South Carolina star his top player “to have an eye on” in Indianapolis

By Kevin Miller, 2/25

This week, the NFL Combine will provide draft hopefuls from around the country an opportunity to improve their standing with NFL franchises. Players will have their official measurables taken, test athletically, go through interviews, and perform position-specific drills in front of NFL scouts, coaches, and decision-makers. This year, 11 South Carolina football products will be in Indianapolis for the event.

Though he won’t do anything on the field until Friday, hype is building around one Gamecock already. This week, South Carolina All-American safety Nick Emmanwori picked up praise from several NFL Draft analysts, including ESPN’s Jordan Reid. According to Reid, Emmanwori is the “one player I would recommend having an eye on” at the NFL Combine.

Read more from this story here.

South Carolina All-American named “Freak to Watch” ahead of NFL Combine

By Kevin Miller, 2/21

Anyone who has watched South Carolina football product Nick Emmanwori play football understands that he is a special physical talent. At 6’3″ and around 225 pounds, the Irmo native was one of the fastest players on the team during his time on campus, and his production on the field mirrored that of a player simply more gifted than 90% of his opposition.

It should come as no surprise, then, that Emmanwori earned a spot on The Athletic‘s Bruce Feldman’s annual Freaks List last preseason. Along with Gamecock receiver Nyck Harbor (who was No. 1), Emmanwori drew praise from Feldman for his impressive physical attributes. At No. 11, he held a prominent spot on the list, but on Friday, he featured more prominently. As Feldman revisited his Freaks List ahead of the NFL Combine (now called “Freaks to Watch” at the NFL Combine), Emmanwori slotted in at No. 1.

Read more from this story here.

Punter Kai Kroeger

Kai Kroeger recaps impressive showing at NFL Combine Specialist Showcase

By Mike Uva, 2/28

On Wednesday, former South Carolina punter Kai Kroeger took part with more than a handful of punters at this year’s NFL Specialist Showcase.

“From what I know, I had the highest hang time. It was 5.4 seconds, from what scouts have told me,” Kroeger shared with GamecockCentral, ahead of flying back to Columbia, SC on Thursday. “A lot of my other punts were over five seconds, so I was really happy about that.”

To give you an idea how impressive that number is, the average NFL hang time is around 4.7 seconds.

Like NFL Combine participants, Kroeger also had a chance to speak, as well as do interviews, with teams. Kroeger informed us that while he spoke with every NFL team during his time out in Indianapolis, he specifically mentioned having good conversations with several coaches and special teams coordinators including the Tennessee Titans, Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, and the Denver Broncos.

Read more from this story here.

South Carolina punter Kai Kroeger invited to participate in 2025 NFL Combine

By Mike Uva, 2/1

After a strong showing at the East-West Shrine Bowl, former South Carolina punter Kai Kroeger has been invited to the 2025 NFL Combine.

On Sunday, the two-time All-American shared the news with GamecockCentral.

“It means the world to me. As a kid growing up with dreams of playing in the NFL, the combine is what you hope to get to for the NFL process,” Kroeger told GamecockCentral. “I’m just super excited for this opportunity and grateful to be able to pursue my dream of playing in the NFL.”

Read more from this story here.

EDGE Kyle Kennard

Kyle Kennard on Sterling Lucas: ‘He modernized the game for me’

By Wes Mitchell, 2/27

“I sat down and watched film with my new position coach Sterling Lucas. He told me I could have had about 10 (sacks),” Kennard said in a sitdown this week with Nicole Auerbach at the NFL Combine. “So we sat there and watched a lot of things that I could have done better. Things at the top of the rush, like ripping, bending, turning my toe—things like that. I kind of emphasized those things more this year.”

Kennard did his new coach one better, not only accumulating double-digit sacks but 11.5 for good measure.

With 28 tackles and 15.5 tackles-for-loss and one of the highest PFF pass-rush grades in the SEC, Kennard became an All-American, and the first Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner in school history during his lone year in the Garnet and Black.

“It definitely had a lot to do with coaching,” Kennard said. “I feel like it’s a testament to my coach, Sterling Lucas, who I had at South Carolina. He kind of modernized the game for me in a way. A lot of coaches are set in their ways of doing things. I had great coaches at my last institution, don’t get me wrong, but he kind of helped me and let me be me more.”

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Kyle Kennard makes strong guarantee on South Carolina EDGE partner Dylan Stewart

By Kevin Miller, 2/26

During his opportunity to speak to the media on Wednesday, Kennard spoke about a lot of things. However, one particular comment will be of particular intrigue to South Carolina football fans. Kennard, when asked about his EDGE partner Dylan Stewart, spoke glowingly about the rising sophomore.

“That’s my little brother, man. I love Dylan,” Kennard beamed. “I’ll start off by saying that.” Recognizing his place at the NFL Combine in front of media and executives, though, Kennard turned the Stewart attention toward his teammate’s future as a pro. “Most importantly, [Stewart] will definitely be a first-round pick,” said Kennard. “He’s a top-10 lock, for sure.”

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Running Back Rocket Sanders

NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein had this to say about Sanders:

“When healthy, Sanders has been a productive three-down back at two SEC spots. He’s a big rusher with pop behind his pads. He runs with timing and tempo as a one-cut runner. He creates yards with vision and cut quickness, but he can fall into the trap of trying to be a hero instead of taking yards that are there and moving on. His speed won’t prohibit him from outside runs, but his living will be made inside the tackles. He’s rarely stopped on “gotta have it” downs and is capable out of the backfield. Fumbles and inconsistent pass protection might land him in the doghouse, but he has the size and talent to become a committee runner.”

Linebacker Demetrius Knight

Demetrius Knight on South Carolina after 2024: “A team to reckon with for years and years to come”

By Griffin Goodwyn, 2/27

Knight believes that, despite the Gamecocks losing much of their veteran presence, they will be among the sport’s top teams in 2025. He doubled down on the statement while talking to reporters at the NFL Combine.

“South Carolina is going to be a team to reckon with for years and years to come, as long as Beamer’s there doing his thing and laying the law down like he has been,” Knight said. “They’re going to be a great a team to watch this year. I can’t wait to see what they do.

“South Carolina is going to be a team to watch, for sure,” Knight added.

Read more from this story here.

Demetrius Knight reflects on his history as a quarterback leading to him becoming “quarterback of the defense” ready for the NFL

By Kevin Miller, 2/26

Said Knight, “So, playing quarterback was everything I thought I’d be doing. I mean, I thought I’d be here (at the NFL Combine) right now as a quarterback.” Knight, though, considers his new role a blessing. “The roles were flipped, and now I’m just the quarterback of the defense.”

As one might imagine, transitioning from quarterback to linebacker isn’t easy. Not only is it a move from one side of the football to the other, but it is a shift from being a player who looks to avoid contact with other players for the purpose of scoring to becoming a player who seeks to hit other players to keep them from scoring.

Knight laughingly thought of his time under center when he said, “I wasn’t trying to do the hitting. I was trying to avoid getting hit.” He continued, “Doing the hitting [after transitioning to defense] was something very foreign to me. But after repetition and going to Charlotte to develop…[helped me] to go to South Carolina for my last season and put it all together.”

Read more from this story here.

Defensive Lineman Tonka Hemingway

How playing other sports helped a pair of South Carolina defensive linemen prepare for the NFL

By Kevin Miller, 2/26

For Hemingway, football and basketball weren’t his only sports as a high school prospect. Despite being much larger than most others on the diamond, the big corner infielder and pitcher played on role on his Conway Tigers baseball squad.

When he was asked on Wednesday about his multi-sport past, Hemingway couldn’t nail down many specifics about how playing baseball and basketball helped him as a football. However, he was adamant that being a tri-sport athlete in high school was important for him. “Baseball, basketball…I feel like it all comes in one. It has helped me in this sport (football).”

During his South Carolina football career, Hemingway has had his number called on multiple gadget plays over the years. His well-rounded athleticism and hand-eye coordination helped prepare him for those moments.

Read more from this story here.

Cornerback O’Donnell Fortune

NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein had this to say about Fortune:

“Two-year starter with good height and length but lacking in play strength. He’s not physical from press, but he plays long and with twitchy movements to match route breaks or break into the passing lane when reading the quarterback from zone. His instincts are above average and his ball skills are solid. Big, physical wideouts can create a mismatch against him inside the route, at the catch point and after the catch. Fortune is scheme-versatile but won’t offer help on special teams and is a liability as a run defender. Consistency and ball production will be critical for him.”

Linebacker Bam Martin-Scott

NFL.com analyst Lance Zielein had this to say about Martin-Scott:

“A 4-3 outside linebacker who will turn 25 years old this summer, Martin-Scott has had limited game snaps. He has adequate size and speed but lacks instincts and blocking-scheme recognition. He plays on his front foot with a downhill mentality but sometimes without a plan. He’s hit-or-miss with block take-ons and can be a step late getting to his tackle angles in the open field. He has some rush and cover ability on passing downs and can play special teams. Age and instincts work against him, but he might have enough attributes to get a look late in the draft.”

Defensive Lineman TJ Sanders

How playing other sports helped a pair of South Carolina defensive linemen prepare for the NFL

By Kevin Miller, 2/26

On Wednesday, Sanders spoke to NBC’s Connor Rogers at the combine. During their conversation, Rogers asked about the Marion High School product’s basketball background. Sanders said that his time on the hardwood helped him become a better athlete, and he’s seen that most in how he gets after opposing quarterbacks.

“I feel like it has helped my pass rush the most,” said Sanders. “A lot of my inside moves come from me thinking about a crossover. Like, just getting from one point to the other, just beating your man, you know, off of a simple move.”

His time playing basketball has shaped Sanders into a more versatile football player, as well. Sanders said that he has become “a faster d-tackle” who is “quicker than most interior guys.”

Read more from this story here.

Tight End Josh Simon

South Carolina tight end Josh Simon explains what he brings to the NFL on and off the field

By Mingo Martin, 3/3

On Saturday at the NFL Combine, South Carolina tight end Josh Simon spent time speaking on what he can bring to the table at the next level.

“I think it speaks for itself at this point, at this stage,” Simon said. “You know, I’m a hard worker. My work ethic is through the roof.”

“I can play through adversity, ” Simon said. “…I’m a hard runner on the field. I’m hard to tackle. My knowledge of the game, just to create mismatches and know where I need to be and my spots, stuff like that.”

Simon’s 519 receiving yards led the team during the 2024 season. His season-long reception of 57 yards against Texas A&M showcased his ability to break tackles and then separate from defenders.

Off the field, Simon said he’s also bringing maturity, reliability, and responsibility to whichever team picks him up in the NFL Draft.

While expounding on his maturity off the field, Simon gave a straightforward answer. “[I will] be in the places I need to be and not in the places I don’t need to be,” Simon said. “[I’m] very reliable, and like I said, I’m accountable.”

Read more from this story here.

South Carolina tight end Josh Simon explains how his transfer to USC helped prepare him for the NFL

By Kevin Miller, 2/28

Now, Simon is at the NFL Combine. On Thursday, he spent some time speaking with the media and reflected on his time with the Gamecocks.

When asked about his move from Western Kentucky to South Carolina, Simon could only express gratitude. “I’m grateful for it, man. I learned early on a lot about the game of football…it just opened my eyes to everything you can do as a tight end,” he said. “When I got to South Carolina, we ran a pro-style offense with (offensive coordinator) Coach Loggains. That was something I hadn’t done at Western Kentucky in all of my college career–just all the things he allowed me to do formationally and with route-running and in the run game.”

With the Gamecocks, Simon developed from a group of five conference player into a future NFL tight end.

Read more from this story here.

Offensive Lineman Torricelli Simpkins

At NFL Combine, South Carolina’s Torricelli Simpkins explains “the best thing possible” for offensive line success

By Kevin Miller, 3/2

While at the combine, Simpkins was asked to explain what he thought was the most important trait for offensive linemen (aside from the obvious answers like size and blocking ability). He cheated a bit with his answer.

“I want to say physicality so bad…but I want to say communication,” Simpkins replied. “Like, the way you communicate with your offensive line, that’s going to lead you a whole lot. It’s going to help you so much. The way you communicate with your offensive line, the way y’all talk to each other, and making sure everyone is on their assignment, that’s the best thing possible for [an offensive lineman].” He couldn’t resist getting his second answer in, though. “Obviously, that and being physical, too. I’ve got to say physical.”

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Defensive Tackle DeAndre Jules

Jules did not work out in Indianapolis but did come to get measured and interview with teams.

NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein had this to say about Jules:

“Defensive tackle with imposing size and intriguing flashes but a relative lack of snap experience for a sixth-year player. His anchor can sink fairly deep against double-teams and he has the length and power to control and shed single blocks. He’s very average athletically but moves with some quickness to tackle inside. Jules holds his own against blockers but struggles with play recognition and consistency. He also offers little success as a rusher. His traits and flashes necessitate a “developmental” label.”

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