South Carolina Star Nick Emmanwori Brims with Confidence at NFL Combine

South Carolina All-American Nick Emmanwori is one of 12 Gamecocks showcasing their talent this week. The dynamic safety took to the podium on Thursday and displayed a high level of confidence as he prepares for Friday’s on-field workouts.

When asked by the media which NFL player he models his game after, Emmanwori didn’t hesitate to name Ravens All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton. “I’m 6-3, 223 (like Hamilton),” Emmanwori 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, a two-time All-Pro, is widely regarded as one of the most versatile safeties in the NFL. Emmanwori, similarly, brings that versatile skill set to the table.

Over his three years at South Carolina, Emmanwori led the Gamecocks in tackles twice and finished second in tackles-per-game during another season. In his final 15 games, he totaled six interceptions. Like Hamilton, Emmanwori has shown he can perform in various roles — from playing deep safety to being in the box, covering the slot at nickel, or even guarding wide receivers.

But Emmanwori wasn’t finished making bold statements. Projected by some to be the top safety in this draft class, he believes 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 declared. He went on to add, “Growing up I used to play corner, so my footwork is probably the best of this safety class.”

As one of the fastest players on the Gamecocks’ roster in recent years, it wasn’t surprising when the media turned their attention to his 40-yard dash. Emmanwori confirmed that he plans to participate in the combine’s workouts on Friday and confidently predicted a 4.3-second time. “4.3,” he said without hesitation. For context, that would be faster than Hamilton’s 40-yard time at the combine, where he ran in the 4.5 range.

Emmanwori’s unwavering confidence is a hallmark of his football journey, and it’s clear why. His impressive career, combined with a strong showing at the NFL Combine, positions him as one of the top prospects heading into the draft.

If Emmanwori hears his name called in the first round, he’ll make history as only the second South Carolina safety ever selected that high. The first was combo safety/corner Rick Sanford, who was taken 25th overall by the New England Patriots in 1979.