COLUMBIA — Some players are already aware that they’ll be drafted soon, while others hope to improve their draft position by a round or two, and some are just looking to solidify their spot.
Regardless of their goals, this week is all about camaraderie and supporting one another, just as they did during their time at South Carolina. They aim to channel that motivation into their best performances yet.
Eleven Gamecocks are participating in the NFL Scouting Combine this week, striving to enhance their chances of being selected in the upcoming NFL draft. While excelling in various tests and measurements doesn’t guarantee a player will be drafted from April 25-27, receiving a combine invitation is seen as a significant step toward that goal.
The numbers are what they are. This week, 329 prospects will be in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine. The draft guarantees 224 selections, a figure that may increase with compensatory picks (last year, there were 257 total). While teams can also build their rosters with undrafted free agents, draft picks receive signing bonuses (and first-round choices get guaranteed contracts), whereas UDFAs only get an invitation to training camp.
Some Gamecocks attending this week are already in discussions about being first-round picks. Safety Nick Emmanwori, who has recently been ranked No. 1 on a “Freaks” list for Combine attendees, is set to potentially earn a multimillion-dollar contract in late April. Kyle Kennard, who had a standout season as a defensive end and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year and winner of the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, might also make it into the first round.
The other players are at different stages of their development, but they all have the opportunity to perform well this week, improve at USC’s Pro Timing Day on March 18, and continue training for the big event in April.
Overall, the Gamecocks have significantly increased their number of combine invitees, more than doubling their previous record since 2013, when they sent seven players to Indianapolis. USC had a total of 10 invitees in 2023 and 2024.
In addition to Emmanwori and Kennard, the list includes cornerback O’Donnell Fortune, defensive tackles Tonka Hemingway and DeAndre Jules, linebackers Demetrius Knight and Bam Martin-Scott, running back Rocket Sanders, edge rusher T.J. Sanders, tight end Josh Simon, and offensive lineman Torricelli Simpkins. Additionally, punter Kai Kroeger received an invitation to the NFL Specialist Showcase, a combine-like event specifically for special team players.
USC’s record for the most single-season draft picks in the modern era is seven, achieved in 2009 and 2013. The overall record is nine, set during the 1954 draft, which consisted of 30 rounds.
In 2024, the Gamecocks made history by winning nine games for only the eighth time in 131 seasons.
“This past year at Carolina, winning nine games was really significant,” Hemingway shared in an online draft diary. “Our defensive line coach, alum Travian Robertson, always reminded us to leave this place better than we found it. It felt great to do that and to provide the younger players with something to aspire to, setting a standard for them.”
With his professional aspirations now within reach, this marks another milestone for him and for future Gamecocks.
Training in Pensacola, Fla., Hemingway aspires to receive a call just like his older brother, Junior Hemingway, did.
“I’ve had many conversations with him about his experiences, and he advised me to just be myself,” Hemingway said. “As I wait for the draft, I wouldn’t describe myself as nervous; I’m more excited and eager to get going.
“I’m really looking forward to that phone call and the opportunity it brings.”
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