Interviews with South Carolina players and analysis from the 2025 NFL Combine

The 2025 NFL Combine, a critical event for college football prospects aiming to prove their skills to NFL teams, brought several South Carolina Gamecocks to the spotlight. With scouts and team representatives closely watching every move, the Combine served as an opportunity for players to demonstrate their athleticism, skills, and readiness for the professional stage. This year’s event saw a number of Gamecocks showcase their talents in front of a national audience, as they looked to make the leap to the NFL.

In addition to the on-field performances, interviews with South Carolina players provided invaluable insights into their preparation for the Combine and their mindset as they navigated this high-pressure situation. We spoke to a few of the top Gamecocks prospects, as well as industry experts, to break down how their performances at the 2025 NFL Combine could impact their draft stock.

The Gamecocks’ Key Prospects at the 2025 NFL Combine

For the South Carolina Gamecocks, the 2025 NFL Draft class is filled with intriguing talent. Several players caught the attention of scouts at the Combine, with expectations high for standout athletes from both sides of the ball. Among the most notable were defensive lineman Zacch Pickens, offensive tackle Ja’Quon Griffin, and wide receiver Antoine Wells Jr., all of whom have garnered significant attention throughout the 2025 draft cycle.

Zacch Pickens: Defensive Standout

Zacch Pickens, a versatile defensive lineman, had been one of the most highly touted prospects from South Carolina heading into the Combine. At 6’4″ and 305 pounds, Pickens boasts an ideal frame for a defensive tackle or edge rusher at the next level. His performance at the Combine was one of the most anticipated for the Gamecocks.

In the interviews leading up to the Combine, Pickens was all business. “I’ve been working on refining my technique, making sure my hand placement is right, and my burst off the line is explosive,” Pickens explained. “I’ve always had the size and strength, but it’s all about refining the fundamentals.”

Pickens’ performance at the Combine showed how much his preparation paid off. He posted impressive times in the 40-yard dash, an indicator of his rare combination of power and speed, which is crucial for both interior and edge rushers. His agility drills, including the three-cone drill and shuttle run, highlighted his ability to change direction quickly, making him an enticing prospect for NFL teams looking to add a disruptive force to their defensive front.

Scouts were particularly impressed by Pickens’ ability to bend at the waist and get low during the pass-rush drills, indicating his potential to thrive in both 3-4 and 4-3 defensive schemes. Analysts have projected Pickens as a potential first- or second-round pick, and his Combine performance only helped solidify that expectation.

Ja’Quon Griffin: Offensive Line Anchor

Ja’Quon Griffin, an offensive tackle with impressive size and strength, was another player who turned heads during the Combine. Standing at 6’5″ and weighing in at 325 pounds, Griffin is known for his ability to dominate in the trenches, and scouts were eager to see how his strength translated into drills.

During interviews, Griffin spoke about his mentality in the offensive line. “It’s all about the mentality for me. It’s about staying in front of your guy and not letting him get around you,” Griffin said. “In the Combine, I want to show that I’m the most dominant offensive tackle, no matter what drill I’m in.”

When it came to on-field drills, Griffin did not disappoint. His 40-yard dash time was solid for a man of his size, and he excelled in the three-cone drill, showcasing his lateral quickness and ability to maintain balance even under pressure. Griffin’s 225-pound bench press reps were another area where he impressed, showcasing his elite strength, which is a crucial trait for NFL offensive linemen.

Griffin’s performance cemented his status as one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2025 draft. NFL teams looking to bolster their offensive line depth will surely be interested in his blend of size, strength, and technique.

Antoine Wells Jr.: Wide Receiver with Big Play Potential

Antoine Wells Jr. had been one of South Carolina’s most dynamic playmakers in recent seasons. Known for his ability to stretch the field and create separation with his speed and route-running ability, Wells was one of the most exciting players to watch at the Combine.

In his interviews, Wells was confident but humble, speaking about the importance of consistency. “You can be fast, but you’ve got to be able to run the right routes and make the catches when it counts,” Wells said. “I’m working to show that I’m a complete receiver who can contribute immediately at the next level.”

At the Combine, Wells showcased his incredible athleticism with a blazing 40-yard dash time, one of the fastest among wide receivers. His quickness in short drills, including the 3-cone and shuttle runs, demonstrated his ability to separate from defenders in tight spaces. His ability to track the ball and make spectacular catches on deep routes left scouts buzzing about his potential to become a game-changing receiver in the NFL.

Wells’ performance has made him one of the top wide receiver prospects in the draft, and his potential as a deep threat makes him a highly coveted prospect for teams seeking explosive offensive weapons.

Analysis from the Combine: Key Takeaways for South Carolina Players

The 2025 NFL Combine was a defining moment for several South Carolina prospects. Each player had their own unique strengths, but there were common themes throughout the performances that will have a lasting impact on their draft prospects.

The Importance of Physicality and Fundamentals

One thing that stood out during the Combine was the emphasis on physicality and fundamentals. South Carolina’s players showed that they could compete with some of the best prospects in the country, whether through impressive bench press performances or their raw speed. What was equally important, however, was the ability of these players to showcase their football intelligence and attention to detail.

As Zacch Pickens said, refining his technique was a crucial part of his preparation. For offensive linemen like Ja’Quon Griffin, focusing on hand placement, footwork, and overall technique was equally essential in making the transition from college to the pros.

High Character and Leadership

During the interviews, all the Gamecocks prospects echoed a common sentiment: they were ready for the next challenge and were motivated to succeed not just for themselves but for the university and their teammates. Their leadership qualities shone through in their discussions about what they had learned throughout their college careers.

South Carolina’s reputation for producing players with high character and a strong work ethic was reflected in the way each player approached the Combine. Whether it was discussing how they’ve learned to handle adversity or how they’ve grown under head coach Shane Beamer’s leadership, the players demonstrated a maturity that teams will find appealing.

Looking Ahead: The Draft Process

The 2025 NFL Combine marks the beginning of a crucial period for these South Carolina players as they move closer to the NFL Draft. The performances in Indianapolis will undoubtedly have a significant impact on their draft stock, but the next few months will also provide further opportunities for these players to demonstrate their value.

For Pickens, Griffin, and Wells, the Combine was just one step on the road to fulfilling their NFL dreams. They will continue to engage with scouts, participate in private workouts, and refine their skills in preparation for their pro careers. The draft process can be a whirlwind, but each of these players has shown that they have the talent, work ethic, and mentality to succeed at the highest level.

For South Carolina football fans, the 2025 NFL Combine served as a reminder of the program’s ability to produce top-tier talent and compete with the best. As these Gamecocks players take the next step in their careers, the legacy of the South Carolina football program continues to grow, one NFL prospect at a time.