South Carolina Gamecock Unbothered by NFL Combine Omission Before NFL Draft

After a standout season, South Carolina Gamecocks saw 11 of their players invited to the NFL Combine. However, like many schools, not all deserving players received the call. One of the Gamecocks left off the list was linebacker Debo Jones. Despite being part of an elite defensive unit, which featured talents like Dylan Stewart and Nick Emannwori, Jones went unnoticed. But he wasn’t deterred by the snub—he showed up to the facility determined to prove he was worthy of being drafted.

During his time at the Combine, Williams showcased his impressive athleticism, running a 4.78 40-yard dash, completing a 4.44 shuttle run, and leaping a 9-foot-4 broad jump. However, his most jaw-dropping moment came during the bench press. Williams displayed elite strength, benching 225 pounds 32 times, a mark that led all his teammates and turned heads among NFL scouts. His performance showed the power and toughness needed for a linebacker who can shed blocks and make critical tackles.

When asked about being left off the invite list, Williams, a Delaware native, made it clear that the snub didn’t faze him. He was ready to compete and make a name for himself. “I’m always going to come and compete… It’s always a blessing to do what you love, man. We come out here and compete and just get better every single time we’re out here. It’s a blessing to be able to go to the next level and get ready for that,” Williams said, clearly focused on the opportunity ahead.

The NFL values competitiveness, and after his standout seasons at South Carolina and a strong showing at the Pro Day, Williams has shown that he is always ready to compete at the highest level. Regardless of whether he’s drafted, Williams is content knowing that he did everything possible to prove he belongs in the league.