Players from South Carolina attend the NFL combine in 2025 before to the draft: Kyle Kennard and Nick Emmanwori

The 2025 NFL Combine will be an important milestone for college football players looking to transition into the professional ranks, and two South Carolina Gamecocks stand out as highly anticipated prospects heading into the event: Kyle Kennard and Nick Emmanwori. Both players have been standout contributors for the Gamecocks throughout their careers, each showcasing skills that have caught the attention of NFL scouts and analysts. As they prepare to showcase their talents at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, they are aiming to further bolster their draft stock and ultimately hear their names called in the 2025 NFL Draft.

This article will provide an in-depth look at both Kyle Kennard and Nick Emmanwori, their journeys through college football, what they bring to the table as NFL prospects, and what to expect from their performances at the NFL Combine.

Kyle Kennard: The Dual-Threat Quarterback with NFL Potential

Kyle Kennard has been one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football over the past few seasons. The 6’4”, 225-pound signal-caller from South Carolina is known for his dual-threat capabilities, making him a versatile quarterback who can impact the game both through the air and on the ground. Kennard’s rise to prominence has been a story of consistency, talent, and leadership, all of which have contributed to his status as one of the top quarterbacks heading into the NFL Combine.

The College Career of Kyle Kennard

Kennard’s college career has been nothing short of impressive. After a solid freshman year, he quickly established himself as the face of the South Carolina offense, becoming the team’s starting quarterback and leading them to several key victories in the SEC.

As a passer, Kennard has thrown for over 4,000 yards in each of his last two seasons and has consistently posted impressive touchdown-to-interception ratios. His arm strength and accuracy on deep throws are standout qualities, but what truly sets him apart is his ability to make plays with his legs. Kennard’s rushing stats have been equally impressive, totaling over 700 yards and 8 touchdowns in his final college season. His blend of passing ability and mobility makes him a dynamic player who can excel in both structured and chaotic offensive situations.

Perhaps the most telling trait about Kennard is his leadership. On the field, he has shown the ability to command the offense, make quick decisions under pressure, and elevate his teammates’ performances when the game is on the line. He has the poise of a veteran quarterback, and his mental toughness is often cited as one of his best qualities.

What to Expect at the NFL Combine

At the 2025 NFL Combine, Kennard will likely face scrutiny over his overall mechanics, especially his consistency in footwork and ball placement. Scouts will want to see how well he moves in drills, his arm strength, and his ability to read defenses in a short amount of time. However, his dual-threat ability will certainly be an asset, and the quarterback drills designed to test accuracy, touch, and mobility in tight spaces will give him a chance to showcase the unique skill set that has made him a rising draft prospect.

Kennard’s impressive frame and athleticism will also shine in the physical tests such as the vertical jump, 40-yard dash, and 3-cone drill. Given his size and build, many believe that Kennard could prove to be one of the most athletic quarterbacks at the Combine, giving him a chance to make a statement in front of NFL coaches, general managers, and scouts.

The interview process will be critical for Kennard as well, where he’ll need to demonstrate leadership, maturity, and football IQ—qualities that are important to NFL teams when evaluating quarterbacks. Kennard’s ability to dissect defenses and adjust on the fly is one of the traits that could make him a strong candidate to be drafted early in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Strengths and Areas to Improve

Strengths:

• Dual-threat ability: Kennard’s ability to run the football adds a different dimension to his game, which has become highly valued in today’s NFL.
• Arm strength: He can make all the throws, from deep balls to tight-window passes.
• Leadership: Kennard’s ability to lead his team and handle high-pressure situations makes him an ideal candidate for the NFL.

Areas to Improve:

• Mechanics: While Kennard’s arm talent is evident, his footwork and consistency in mechanics will need to improve, particularly when under pressure.
• Reading defenses: NFL defenses are faster and more complex, so Kennard will need to prove that he can make quick reads and adjustments at the next level.

Nick Emmanwori: The Versatile Defensive Playmaker

Nick Emmanwori, a standout linebacker/safety hybrid for South Carolina, has been one of the most disruptive defensive players in the SEC over the past few seasons. Standing at 6’3” and 215 pounds, Emmanwori has the size, speed, and instincts to make a difference in various defensive roles, from linebacker to safety to edge rusher. His unique skill set has made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking for a versatile player who can be deployed in multiple positions in today’s modern defense.

The College Career of Nick Emmanwori

Emmanwori’s college career has been defined by his ability to make plays all over the field. As a linebacker, he’s been a force against the run, showing excellent tackling ability and the recognition skills necessary to diagnose plays quickly. At the same time, his ability to cover ground in the passing game and his ball skills allow him to thrive as a safety in nickel and dime packages. His versatility is one of the key factors that has made him so valuable to the South Carolina defense.

In his senior season, Emmanwori recorded over 100 tackles, including 15 tackles for loss and 5 sacks, all while also contributing in pass coverage with 2 interceptions. His ability to play in multiple spots on the field has led to comparisons with some of the NFL’s top hybrid defensive players, such as Derwin James and Isaiah Simmons. Emmanwori’s football IQ is one of his strongest attributes; he’s capable of reading offenses and adjusting his positioning accordingly, which is a crucial skill at the next level.

What to Expect at the NFL Combine

At the 2025 NFL Combine, Emmanwori will be tasked with showcasing his athleticism, football IQ, and versatility. His performance in the drills will be under heavy scrutiny, with scouts looking for his explosiveness, speed, and agility. As a player who can be moved around the defense, Emmanwori will likely be evaluated in a variety of positions—whether it’s linebacker drills, safety drills, or even edge-rushing exercises. His ability to showcase fluid movement in coverage, as well as his explosiveness off the line of scrimmage, will be key to his success.

The 40-yard dash will be one of the key tests for Emmanwori, as NFL teams will want to see if he has the speed to keep up with NFL athletes, especially in pass coverage. Given his background as a hybrid defender, his performance in drills like the shuttle run and cone drills will provide further insights into his lateral quickness, change-of-direction ability, and overall athleticism.

Additionally, Emmanwori’s ability to demonstrate his understanding of defensive schemes and his communication skills in interviews will play a huge role in his draft prospects. Teams looking for a versatile defender who can be used in multiple ways will want to be confident in Emmanwori’s ability to learn complex systems and make immediate contributions.

Strengths and Areas to Improve

Strengths:

• Versatility: Emmanwori’s ability to play multiple positions will make him an attractive option for NFL teams looking for flexibility on defense.
• Football IQ: His ability to read offenses, anticipate plays, and adjust on the fly is a huge asset.
• Athleticism: Emmanwori has the speed, agility, and explosiveness that today’s NFL defenses require.

Areas to Improve:

• Tackling consistency: While he’s a strong tackler, Emmanwori’s consistency in wrapping up and avoiding arm tackles will be something to work on at the next level.
• Coverage skills: As a hybrid player, his coverage ability will be a focal point for NFL teams, particularly in situations where he is tasked with guarding elite receiving threats.

The Future Looks Bright for Kennard and Emmanwori

Both Kyle Kennard and Nick Emmanwori have established themselves as top-tier prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. Their performances at the NFL Combine will be crucial to solidifying their draft positions, but there is little doubt that both players have the potential to make an immediate impact at the next level.

For Kennard, his combination of passing ability, mobility, and leadership could make him a highly coveted quarterback in a league that increasingly values dual-threat quarterbacks. Emmanwori’s versatility and athleticism, meanwhile, make him a potential game-changer on defense, with the ability to be deployed in a variety of roles, making him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to bolster their defensive units.