Nick Emmanwori and Kyle Kennard are two South Carolina players in the NFL combine in 2025 prior to the draft.
As the NFL Draft draws near, anticipation is building around the performance of college players looking to take the next step in their careers. Nick Emmanwori and Kyle Kennard, two standout players from the University of South Carolina, are among the athletes participating in the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. With the spotlight shining brightly on them, the combine serves as their ultimate stage to showcase their skills, athleticism, and potential to future NFL teams.
Both Emmanwori and Kennard have played crucial roles for the Gamecocks over the past seasons, earning recognition for their physicality, work ethic, and on-field intelligence. For each, the combine represents an opportunity to solidify their stock for the 2025 NFL Draft, where teams will look to bolster their rosters with fresh talent. However, despite the shared stage, Emmanwori and Kennard bring different strengths and backgrounds, each adding a unique dimension to South Carolina’s football legacy.
This article will delve into the careers of Nick Emmanwori and Kyle Kennard, the significance of their participation in the NFL Combine, and what to expect as they look to impress NFL scouts and executives ahead of the 2025 Draft.
Nick Emmanwori: The Gamecock Linebacker with Versatile Potential
Nick Emmanwori’s journey to the NFL Combine has been a reflection of his dynamic playmaking ability and versatility. The 6’3″, 240-pound linebacker has made an impact at South Carolina since he stepped onto the field, known for his strong football IQ and hard-hitting style. Emmanwori plays with the kind of intensity that makes him stand out in a conference known for producing tough, physically demanding football players. He has had a major role in South Carolina’s defense, often being tasked with a variety of responsibilities from blitzing the quarterback to defending against the run, or covering athletic tight ends and wide receivers.
Career at South Carolina
Emmanwori’s journey at South Carolina began as a raw but promising athlete who steadily developed into one of the most dependable defensive players on the Gamecocks roster. In his junior season, he posted career-high numbers in tackles, sacks, and tackles for loss, earning All-SEC honors. His ability to cover ground, shed blockers, and adapt to various defensive schemes made him one of the most coveted linebacker prospects in the 2025 draft class. He played in both the 4-3 and 3-4 defensive sets, showcasing his adaptability—a trait that NFL teams covet in linebackers who are tasked with multiple responsibilities.
What stands out the most about Emmanwori is his athleticism. With his combination of size and speed, he can be a force against both the run and pass. His game intelligence is another feather in his cap; Emmanwori’s awareness of opposing offenses has made him an integral part of South Carolina’s defense, especially in crucial situations. His high level of play was on display in games against powerhouse programs like Georgia, Clemson, and Tennessee, where his leadership and defensive acumen shone.
NFL Combine and Expectations
Emmanwori enters the 2025 NFL Combine as a player with plenty of potential, but also questions about the areas where he can refine his game. While his physicality and instincts are unquestionable, his ability to cover elite receivers and tight ends will be put to the test at the combine. A standout performance in drills like the 40-yard dash, cone drills, and vertical leap will be crucial for Emmanwori to prove that his athleticism translates to the next level. His bench press results will be a point of focus, as scouts will want to see his strength and power to shed blockers in the NFL.
If Emmanwori performs well in his drills, showing both speed and agility to go along with his strength and intelligence, he will solidify himself as a top linebacker prospect in the draft. His ability to adapt to different positions in a 3-4 or 4-3 defense could make him an even more valuable commodity for NFL teams that are looking for versatile players who can contribute in multiple facets of the game.
With his solid combine performance, Emmanwori is projected to be a Day 2 pick, likely falling in the second or third round, and could eventually carve out a role as an every-down linebacker in the NFL.
Kyle Kennard: A Mountain of a Prospect with Raw Power
Unlike Emmanwori, Kyle Kennard’s path to the NFL is built on his physicality and raw power as an offensive tackle. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing 330 pounds, Kennard has all the tools to become a dominant force on the offensive line. The junior offensive tackle from South Carolina started every game during his tenure at the university, protecting the quarterback and creating holes for the running game. His combination of size, strength, and technique has turned him into a highly sought-after prospect, and the NFL Combine offers him the stage to confirm that he has the skills and discipline needed to succeed at the next level.
Career at South Carolina
Kennard was one of the most consistent players on South Carolina’s offensive line. Starting since his freshman year, he quickly became a key cog in a unit that needed stability. His physical presence on the line was often a game-changer, offering protection for the Gamecocks’ quarterbacks and opening lanes for the rushing game. What separates Kennard from other offensive line prospects is his ability to drive defenders off the ball. His superior strength and power allow him to overpower smaller defenders, and he’s known for being particularly effective in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Kennard’s ability to anchor against pass rushers also became a point of emphasis throughout his college career. He had success against some of the best pass rushers in the SEC, showcasing his capacity to match speed with power, and his incredible footwork made him difficult to beat around the edge. However, his biggest strength lies in his ability to control the line of scrimmage and use his size to protect the quarterback and push defenders off the ball in the running game.
While Kennard excels in power situations, there are areas where he will need to improve, particularly in terms of lateral quickness and reacting to fast pass rushers. Like many large offensive linemen, Kennard has the challenge of ensuring he doesn’t become too top-heavy, which can lead to balance issues when facing faster defenders. These weaknesses will be tested at the NFL Combine, where agility drills and position-specific tests will shed light on his readiness for the next level.
NFL Combine and Expectations
The NFL Combine is where Kennard will face his most significant tests. While his size and power are undeniable, scouts will want to see how he moves in space. During the 40-yard dash, 3-cone drill, and shuttle run, Kennard will need to demonstrate that he can keep up with the speed of NFL pass rushers. His vertical leap and bench press numbers will also be crucial to measure his explosiveness and strength. For Kennard, it’s not just about power, but also about showing the agility and footwork necessary to hold up in the fast-paced world of the NFL.
Much of Kennard’s success at the combine will be built on his strength and balance, as these are his biggest assets. If he can prove that he can move effectively while maintaining his power, he’ll cement his status as one of the top offensive line prospects in the draft.
Projection and Future in the NFL
Kennard has the potential to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and his performance at the combine could propel him further up the boards. Teams in need of an offensive tackle who can come in and start immediately, especially those that run a power-based offense, will be keen on Kennard’s abilities.
If he can improve his speed and agility during the combine, Kennard may be seen as a future anchor on the offensive line, offering protection to NFL quarterbacks for years to come. His run-blocking skills alone could make him a highly desirable prospect for teams looking to establish a powerful ground game.
South Carolina’s Future NFL Stars
The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine presents a critical juncture for Nick Emmanwori and Kyle Kennard as they prepare for the NFL Draft. For Emmanwori, it’s a chance to prove his versatility and athleticism as a linebacker, while Kennard will look to showcase his dominant physicality and potential as a future star on the offensive line. Both players have the skills, size, and determination to thrive in the NFL, and how they perform in Indianapolis could dramatically shape their futures.
For South Carolina football, the success of Emmanwori and Kennard at the combine will reflect the program’s continued growth in producing NFL-caliber talent. With their futures on the line, both players are determined to show scouts and coaches what they are capable of. Whether they end up as high-round draft picks or late-round steals, one thing is certain: the Gamecocks are well-represented at the 2025 NFL Combine, and their paths to professional football have only just begun.
