South Carolina football 2025 NFL Combine headquarters

South Carolina football fans will have plenty to track during this year’s NFL Combine. With 11 Gamecocks participating in the combine and one other taking part in the NFL Combine Specialist Showcase, only Ohio State, Georgia, and Texas will send more representatives to Indianapolis than USC.

This year’s NFL Combine has already begun. The specialist showcase and early registration for the main event began on Sunday and Monday. The primary NFL Combine coverage will begin on Thursday, February 27th.

Below is a full list of Gamecocks competing, a list of resources for fans to reference, and excerpts from all of GamecockCentral’s NFL Combine coverage.

Participants

S Nick Emmanwori
DL TJ Sanders
EDGE Kyle Kennard
LB Demetrius Knight
RB Rocket Sanders
CB O’Donnell Fortune
DL Tonka Hemingway
TE Josh Simon
OL Torricelli Simpkins
LB Bam Martin-Scott
DL DeAndre Jules
P Kai Kroeger (NFL Combine Specialist Showcase)

South Carolina NFL Combine Resources:

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.

‘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.

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.”

Read more from this story here.

South Carolina tight end Josh Simon posts elite NFL Combine numbers

By Kevin Miller, 3/1

The Dalzell, South Carolina native posted some of the best athletic testing numbers among all tight ends. Measuring in at 6-4 and 239 pounds, Simon ran the second-fastest 40-yard dash time among tight ends at the combine with a 4.65. He also had the second-best vertical jump at 38 inches. Then, his 10-4 broad jump ranked second at the position, too. Though not ranked as high in the categories, Simon’s 4.4 in the 20-yard shuttle and 7.22 three-cone drill were solid.

Read more from this story here.

South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori runs blazing 40 times, logs best jumps at NFL Combine

By Kevin Miller, 2/28

Despite measuring in at 6-3 and 220 pounds, Nick Emmanwori clocked a 4.38. That time was the second fastest among all safeties.

Along with his elite sprint speed, Emmanwori posted some other impressive numbers on Saturday. He logged an 11-6 broad jump and a 43-inch vertical on Friday afternoon, as well. As of now, both numbers were the best among all players at the 2025 NFL Combine. His broad jump is the second-best by a safety weighing at least 220 pounds since 2003. Only ten players in the history of the NFL’s modern monitoring of broad jumps have reached that 11-6 number.

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.

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 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.

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, Kenneard became an All-American 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.”

Read more from this story here.

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.

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

By Kevin Miller, 2/26

On Wednesday, TJ 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.”

For Tonka 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.

By Kevin Miller, 2/26

Beamer told the 107.5 hosts that it’s “really cool” that the Gamecocks are sending 11 players to the NFL Combine but that credit for the achievement starts with the players themselves. “First, credit to them and the way they worked when they were here,” said Beamer. “We’re really, really proud of what our guys have accomplished.”

Though he credited his players, Beamer made sure to take a moment to reflect on how well his USC program has helped prepare players for the next level. After talking briefly about 2024 NFL Draft selections Xavier Legette (first round to the Carolina Panthers) and Marcellas Dial (sixth round to the New England Patriots), Beamer turned his attention to 2025.

“And to now have 11 guys at the NFL Combine, along with others who aren’t at the Combine but will still get opportunities with NFL teams, that’s what it’s all about,” Beamer declared.

“And to have so many other guys getting that opportunity this year, whether they came here out of high school and developed—like TJ Sanders, Tonka Hemingway, and Boogie Huntley—or were only here for one year–like Kyle Kennard, Rocket Sanders, and D Knight–I’m just so happy for all of them.” He added, “I’m so proud that we were able to help them chase their dreams here.”

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.

Double-digit Gamecocks invited to 2025 NFL Combine

By Kevin Miller, 2/13

South Carolina football has a chance to break a program record this spring. On two occasions (2009 and 2013), the Gamecocks have seen seven overall players selected in the NFL Draft. This year, though, there is a real chance that USC can match or surpass that number.

On Thursday, the NFL released its full list of NFL Combine invitees, and 11 former Gamecocks were on it. Running back Rocket Sanders, tight end Josh Simon, offensive lineman Torricelli Simpkins, defensive tackles TJ Sanders, Tonka Hemingway, and DeAndre Jules, EDGE Kyle Kennard, linebackers Demetrius Knight and Bam Martin-Scott, cornerback O’Donnell Fortune, and safety Nick Emmanwori all will have a chance to test in front of NFL decision-makers in Indianapolis.

Punter Kai Kroeger also received an invitation to the NFL Combine’s specialist showcase. Because of that, he will get a chance to compete in Indy, too.

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.”

Last year, the NFL created a specialist showcase, part of the NFL Combine, to allow more exposure for punters, kickers, and long snappers to earn opportunities with NFL teams. This year’s NFL Specialist Combine will be held from Feb. 25-27 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN.

Read more from this story here.