Tonka Hemingway brings 'right mindset' to playing tackle, end
Tonka Hemingway knew what was at stake in the seconds after South Carolina’s touchdown last week.
Standing behind center in the Gamecocks’ muddle-huddle extra point formation, he knew if that ball didn’t cross the goal line he might not ever get the chance again.
So, he took it and weaved through a few players and into the end zone. The crowd there erupted for the two-point conversion.
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“If you could give me a team full of Tonka Hemingways, we would be just fine. That’s a guy who approaches his game the right way. He’s about a good a guy, a hard of a worker and through of a preparer as I’ve been around,” Pete Lembo said.
“You know this is the kind of guy who can certainly build your program around in terms of how he handles himself on and off the field and the kind of work ethic he has. He’s just a fabulous human being.”
But his role on special teams is more just reflective of Hemingway’s mindset defensively. He’s willing to do whatever is needed in order to get on the field and contribute to winning.
After starting his career as a defensive end, he beefed up to a full 300 pounds and to the inside of the line.
But the now slimmed-down Hemingway–he’s down to 285 pounds–had to fill another void. With the Gamecocks incredibly thin at end, Hemingway had to slide outside and also contribute there.
“I’m just here to help the team,” he said. “Whatever the coaches ask or need me to do I’m willing to do. I want to win. If they can put me in a position to help us win I’m willing to do it.”
Hemingway has logged 127 snaps this season. Most have come on the interior. But he’s logged at least 11 at end and is adjusting back to life away from the center.
“Probably just learning the tempo. Inside, it happens quicker and outside is slower,” he said. “You’re more in space. You have to be ready for more CBR: cut-backs and reverses.”
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With the Gamecocks still banged up, Hemingway could certainly see more time on the edge while helping anchor the interior of the line beside Zacch Pickens.
A strong outing from Hemingway and the rest of the lineup could certainly go a long way for South Carolina pulling off the upset.
“You have to have the right mindset and be a smart football player. He fits both of those. We were down at the end position,” Clayton White said.
“Tonka will be a guy who can go in there in certain situations of the game. he just has to have the right mindset in everything he does. It carries over to the football field. That’s the most important thing.”
