Gamecocks have options for commit Nick Emmanwori to make impact. Each one excites him
Nick Emmanwori just laughs and smiles when he hears about the South Carolina coaching staff debating on how they want to use him next season.
The Irmo High School senior said he has been in the room when defensive backs coach Torrian Gray and defensive coordinator Clayton White argue on which position they want him to play in college for the Gamecocks. Gray is lobbying for Emmanwori to play at safety in the defensive backfield, while White favors him as a linebacker.
“It’s pretty amusing,” Emmanwori said this week at the Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Bowl. “I think I could play everything. I think they have a good plan for me and I’m excited about it. I could play a little safety, linebacker, nickel, whatever. I’m just ready.
“Whatever gets me on the field and to the next level, I’m all for it.”
Emmanwori embraces being able to play multiple positions and looks up to NFL player Derwin James, who has played a variety of positions from safety to linebacker during his career so far with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Emmanwori primarily played safety during his junior season, but Irmo coach Aaron Brand moved him to a hybrid linebacker spot this season — and he put up impressive numbers. According to Irmo’s stats, Emmanwori finished with 232 tackles, 19 tackles for loss and four sacks in earning all-state honors and being selected to the Touchstone Energy Bowl, which was held Saturday in Myrtle Beach and featured top seniors from across the state.
Emmanwori played linebacker in the game and finished with four tackles.
“Another week of football. I am just excited,” Emmanwori said.
Emmanwori committed to the Gamecocks in July and likely sign Wednesday on signing day, then wait to be part of a public ceremony with his team in February. He can’t enroll early at USC because of his class schedule and is firm in his commitment to the Gamecocks.
Emmanwori said he plans to use the next few months to get really for college football both physically and mentally. He has been watching a film of himself and other college and pro schemes to familiarize himself with what to expect when he arrives at USC in June.
“Since I’m not graduating early, I want to make sure I am not behind on anything and make sure my body and football IQ is right,” Emmanwori said. “I am watching film and trying to learn as many new things as I can.”
This story was originally published December 12, 2021 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Gamecocks have options for commit Nick Emmanwori to make impact. Each one excites him."
