Gamecock Digest

2025 NFL Scouting Combine Top Performers - Which Gamecocks Made Their Mark

These Gamecocks improved their stock as the draft gets closer.

Alex Joyce

Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; South Carolina defensive back Nick Emmanwori (DB40) runs in the 40 yard dash during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 28, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; South Carolina defensive back Nick Emmanwori (DB40) runs in the 40 yard dash during the 2025 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine is in the rear view mirror and several Gamecocks made their best effort to impress NFL teams ahead of the draft. South Carolina players were able to show the impressive athleticism, speed, and strength that helped produce a great 2024.

Nick Emmanwori

Perhaps the top performer from the Gamecocks attendees. He started out by jumping 11'6" in the broad jump and followed that with a 43-inch vertical. At 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, Emmanwori then ran a 4.38 forty yard dash. Coming into the Combine, Emmanwori was a projected late first round pick. His impressive day in front of the NFL world may have cemented him as a first round pick and possibly the first safety off the board.

Demetrius Knight Jr.

The former Charlotte 49er came to South Carolina as a transfer in the 2024 class. Since arriving in Columbia, Knight Jr. quickly became an impact player at the linebacker position for the Gamecocks. Now at the combine, he had the opportunity to show other NFL teams just what he could do. At 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds, Knight Jr. ran a 4.58 forty yard dash, had a 9'10" broad jump, and benched 225 pounds 22 times. Knight Jr. is quickly becoming a riser on draft boards.

Most to Gain:

The tight end spot is one of the drafts deepest positions in 2025. Penn State's Tyler Warren and Michigan's Colston Loveland lead a stacked position group. South Carolina's Joshua Simon may have just made himself stand out in a crowded room after an impressive 2025 Combine. At 6-foot-4 and nearly 240 pounds ran a 4.65 forty and finished in the top five for tight ends in nearly every category. The tight end position has become a coveted one in the NFL over the years. Having a do-it-all tight end can be a cheat code for some offenses. Simon could be just that.

Summary of the Gamecocks at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine:

Overall, South Carolina players were able to showcase their talent to every NFL team in the league. Players like Joshua Simon and Raheim "Rocekt" Sanders had impressive days to help them stand out in crowded rooms. Kyle Kennard showcased the athleticism teams could see on film. And Emmanwori looks like a top player in the draft. The NFL Draft could be a big time recruiting pitch for South Carolina going forward.

You Might Also Like:

Join the community:

You can follow us for future coverage by clicking "Follow" on the top right-hand corner of the page. Also, be sure to follow us on X at @GamecocksDigest and on Facebook!

Published
Alex Joyce
ALEX JOYCE

Alex Joyce is a graduate from the University of Georgia with a degree in Journalism. Alex began his career in television as a news and sports reporter. During his career, Alex has been able to cover everything from breaking news to the game’s brightest moments. His passion for journalism drives him to deliver compelling stories and to connect with his audiences.