Emmanwori’s Ascent: South Carolina All-American Finds NFL Home in Second Round
The journey from the college gridiron to the professional ranks is a rigorous test of talent, dedication, and perseverance. For Nick Emmanwori, the standout safety from the University of South Carolina, that journey reached a significant milestone on Friday, April 25, 2025, when the Seattle Seahawks selected him with the 35th overall pick in the second round of the National Football League (NFL) Draft. This highly anticipated moment marked not only a personal triumph for Emmanwori but also a proud moment for the Gamecocks football program.
Emmanwori’s selection in the second round underscores the exceptional ability and potential he displayed throughout his collegiate career in Columbia. A physical specimen with a rare blend of size and athleticism, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound defensive back consistently impressed scouts and analysts with his on-field production and remarkable performance at the NFL Scouting Combine. His journey to becoming a coveted NFL prospect began in Irmo, South Carolina, making him a local hero who chose to represent his home state.
From the moment he stepped onto the field as a true freshman for the Gamecocks in 2022, Emmanwori’s impact was undeniable. He quickly established himself as a key contributor to the South Carolina defense, earning Freshman All-American honors in his debut season. This early recognition foreshadowed the stellar career that would follow. Over three seasons, Emmanwori started an impressive 36 out of 37 games, amassing 244 career tackles and showcasing his ball-hawking skills with six interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.
His senior season in 2024 was particularly noteworthy, solidifying his status as one of the nation’s premier safeties. Emmanwori led the Gamecocks with 88 tackles, including 57 solo stops and 3.0 tackles for loss. He also tied for fourth in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) with four interceptions and was one of only three players nationwide to record two interception returns for touchdowns, ranking eighth in the country with 107 interception return yards. His outstanding performances earned him First-Team All-American honors from multiple prominent publications, including the Associated Press, Sporting News, Reese’s Senior Bowl, and College Football Nation. He was also a unanimous First-Team All-SEC selection and was recognized as the Joe Morrison MVP for the defense. Furthermore, he was a finalist for the prestigious Blanchard-Rogers Trophy, a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, and a quarterfinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, all accolades that speak volumes about his exceptional talent and character.
Emmanwori’s athletic prowess was further amplified at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. His performance in Indianapolis was nothing short of spectacular, leaving scouts in awe of his physical gifts. He clocked an impressive 4.38-second 40-yard dash, a blazing speed for a player of his size. His explosiveness was evident in his 43-inch vertical leap and an 11-foot, 6-inch broad jump, both of which were among the best performances by any safety at the combine. These elite numbers underscored the rare combination of size, speed, and agility that Emmanwori brings to the safety position.
The Seattle Seahawks, recognizing the value of such a unique talent, made a strategic move to secure Emmanwori’s services. They traded up in the second round, sending their No. 52 and No. 82 overall picks to the Tennessee Titans to acquire the No. 35 selection, which they used to draft the South Carolina standout. This significant investment highlights the Seahawks’ belief in Emmanwori’s potential to become a key player in their secondary.
Upon being drafted, Emmanwori expressed his excitement and gratitude, stating, “Genuinely, I’m happy they came and got me. I felt great when I went up there for the visit, talked to the coaches, had a great visit. I felt the most connected with them. So if it was anybody to do it, I knew it was going to be them.” He also acknowledged that while he had aspirations of being a first-round pick, he is determined to prove his worth at the professional level, adding, “I was already entering the league with something on my mind… But now everybody is on my list. Everybody is on my list right now.”
The Seahawks’ decision to draft Emmanwori early in the second round reflects their need to bolster their secondary. While their defense had moments of strength in the 2024 season, it also experienced inconsistencies against both the pass and the run. Emmanwori’s size, athleticism, and proven ability to make plays in both aspects of the game make him an ideal fit for Seattle’s defensive scheme. Some scouts have even drawn comparisons between Emmanwori and Seahawks legend Kam Chancellor, a hard-hitting safety who was a cornerstone of the team’s famed “Legion of Boom” secondary. Interestingly, both Emmanwori and Chancellor played under the tutelage of current South Carolina defensive backs coach Torrian Gray, who has often highlighted the similarities in their playing styles. Emmanwori himself expressed his admiration for Chancellor, saying, “Kam Chancellor is one of my favorite safeties ever, so it means a lot going to Seattle.”
Emmanwori becomes the first South Carolina safety drafted in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft since D.J. Swearinger was selected in 2013. His selection continues the Gamecocks’ strong tradition of sending players to the NFL, with the program having had a player drafted in 23 of the last 24 drafts. He is also the first Gamecock to be drafted by the Seattle Seahawks since Ike Harris in 1991, adding a unique historical connection to his professional journey.
As Nick Emmanwori embarks on his NFL career with the Seattle Seahawks, he carries with him the hopes and pride of the South Carolina Gamecocks fanbase. His impressive collegiate achievements, combined with his exceptional athletic traits, suggest a bright future in the league. The second round of the NFL Draft has a rich history of producing Pro Bowl talents and even Hall of Famers. Emmanwori now has the opportunity to add his name to that distinguished list, and the football world will be watching eagerly to see the impact he makes in the Seahawks’ secondary. His journey is a testament to the power of dedication, the reward of hard work, and the realization of a lifelong dream.
