South Carolina Football

HEIGHT: 6'2"

WEIGHT: 246

HAND: 10"

ARM: 33¼"

WINGSPAN: 80½”

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40-YARD DASH: 4.58

3-CONE: 7.12

SHUTTLE: 4.25

VERTICAL: 31.5"

BROAD: 9'10"

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POSITIVES

— Solid size with a thick build and good arm length.

— Has good instincts as a run defender to quickly key and diagnose plays and get into the right position.

— Takes on blocks with his hands and has the strength and length to get extension on blocks.

— Also defeats blocks with his hands well and has a decent rip move to beat offensive linemen climbing to the second level.

— Drops his pads and wraps up when tackling. Long arms increase tackling range/radius which helps when making open field tackles.

— Solid linear acceleration when crashing downhill as a run defender or to help click and close in zone coverage.

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NEGATIVES

— Poor awareness in zone coverage, he doesn't locate threats coming into his area well and often isn't in a position to cover his area.

— Lack of agility/lateral movement skills makes it difficult for him to tighten throwing windows and play the ball in the air.

— Has tight hips and sub-par change of direction skills to cover shifty running backs in man coverage.

— Will get beat to the flat when covering backs out of the backfield.

— Angles toward the sideline are often too deep, leading to over-pursues.

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NOTES

— Born Jul. 21, 2000

— A 3-star recruit in the 2019 class as a dual-threat quarterback, per 247Sports

— No major injuries

— Played at Georgia Tech from 2019 to 2022 until he was dismissed from the team four games into the 2022 season, transferred to Charlotte in 2023 and then to South Carolina for this past season.

— 2024: Honorable Mention All-SEC

— 2023: First-Team All-AAC, second in AAC in tackles (96)

— Three-time ACC Academic Honor Roll

— Cousins with three-time Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall

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OVERALL

Demetrius Knight Jr. is a former dual-threat quarterback and a six-year senior which shows up in his instincts against the run. He's quick to key and diagnose, recognizes when he can shoot gaps, is good at mirror running backs on zone runs and can sift through the trash to make tackles.

Knight also takes on blocks with his hands, has good arm length and upper body strength to get extension and escape against offensive linemen. Additionally, his long arms increase his tackle radius/range as the former Gamecock has very few flaws as a run defender.

However, Knight isn't very fluid and has limited lateral movement skills that impact his ability to cover tight ends and running backs in man coverage. Also, he has bad eye discipline in zone coverage, often getting manipulated by quarterbacks and caught out of his area. So, he's more of a two-down linebacker at the next level.

Overall, Knight would be a good fit as an inside linebacker in either odd or even fronts. But teams may view him as a low-ceiling prospect as he's older, turning 25 years old before his rookie season.

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GRADE: 7.2 (High-Level Backup/Potential Starter — 3rd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 89

POSITION RANK: LB6

PRO COMPARISON: Reggie Ragland

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

HEIGHT: 6'4"

WEIGHT: 262

HAND: 9¾”

ARM: 34"

WINGSPAN: 81½”

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40-YARD DASH: 4.73

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POSITIVES

— Good burst off the line of scrimmage to win with speed around the edge paired with a solid rip move as a pass-rusher.

— Quick and twitchy to develop an inside stick move as a counter if he gets his use of hands down.

— Takes good angles and has natural bend with flexible hips/lower half to corner and take an efficient path to the quarterback.

— As a run defender, he's quick to get his hands up and has long arms to get extension on blocks with added strength.

— Good production with 17.5 sacks and 27 TFLs over the last two seasons combined.

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NEGATIVES

— Lacks strength to hold his ground against offensive linemen as a run defender and will struggle to set the edge at the next level.

— Likes to work around blocks, causing him to leave his gap.

— Sub-par strength also hurts his ability to turn speed to power as a pass-rusher and will lead to him getting washed inside if offensive tackles can get their hands on him.

— Inaccurate with his hands/initial chops as a pass-rusher, often missing and making it difficult to 'defeat the hands and defeat the man'.

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NOTES

— Born Dec. 12, 2001

— A 3-star recruit in the 2020 class, per 247Sports

— Transferred from Georgia Tech ahead of 2024 season

— No major injuries

— 2024: Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner; SEC Defensive Player of the Year; Consensus All-American; First-Team All-SEC; led SEC in sacks

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OVERALL

Kyle Kennard has been a riser in this year's draft class after an impressive campaign that earned him plenty of recognition. That's primarily due to his work as a pass-rusher, leading the SEC with 11.5 sacks in 2024.

Kennard has a good get-off to win with speed around the edge while also showing an impressive rip or dip-rip move and bend to corner at the top of the rush. He also has twitch to help develop some inside counter moves down the line and has flashed a decent spin move. But he does need to improve his use of hands to flush those moves out.

Against the run, the South Carolina product is decent at taking blocks from tight ends and has tools to grow in that department. However, he needs to add some size and strength to set the edge against offensive linemen in the NFL.

The problem is he's already put on 16 pounds from his last season at Georgia Tech—based on the roster weights—and is an older prospect, so there's a question about how much more weight he can effectively put on.

Overall, Kennard can contribute as a third-down or situational pass rusher and has potential to develop as a run defender. Schematically, he'd be best as a standup outside linebacker in odd fronts.

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GRADE: 6.9 (Potential Role Player — 4th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 117

POSITION RANK: EDGE15

PRO COMPARISON: Byron Young with better length

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

Emotions ran high in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl between South Carolina and Illinois on Tuesday.

Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer was livid after Fighting Illini head coach Brett Bielema appeared to be taunting him while an Illinois player was being checked out after an injury.

After the game, Beamer discussed the moment between him and Bielema.

"I've got a lot of respect for him and have my own team to worry about, but in all my years of football I've never seen an opposing team's coach come over to the other sideline and make a gesture toward the other coach," Beamer said, per WYFF's Marc Whiteman.

Tempers flared between South Carolina and Illinois. pic.twitter.com/AR1SUWLttJ

— ESPN (@espn) December 31, 2024

Bielema was asked afterward if he was singling out Beamer with taunt.

"I did it to the whole damn sideline," he said, per WFTV's Alex Walker.

There's more to the story than Bielema walking across the field and trolling Beamer with the substitution signal. Throughout the first half, Illinois made the most of the substitution rules that allowed it to run South Carolina's play clock down on offense. Beamer was clearly upset with Bielema's actions, and the taunting in the third quarter finally set him off.

Even with the outburst from Beamer and the taunting from Bielema, there were no flags called and the two sides managed to finish the game in a somewhat peaceful manner.

Unfortunately for Beamer, his squad couldn't get the last laugh as Illinois walked away with a 21-17 win.

Though their season didn't end with a win, it was a mostly successful year for the Gamecocks, which won nine games for the first time since 2017. South Carolina won nine regular-season games for the first time since 2013 when Steve Spurrier was still at the helm.

It was a complete turnaround in Beamer's fourth season after South Carolina finished 5-7 a year ago. The Gamecocks were in the College Football Playoff mix late in the year thanks to six straight wins, three of which were against ranked opponents.

Multiple SEC teams that narrowly missed the cut for the College Football Playoff suffered losses in their respective bowl games on Tuesday.

First, Alabama lost to Michigan by the final score of 19-13 in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

Later in the day, South Carolina was defeated by Illinois in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. The Gamecocks fell by the score of 21-17, failing to stop the Illini on their final possession of the game.

Ending the year with a bowl win ✅🏆@IlliniFootball defeats South Carolina in the @CitrusBowl 🔥 pic.twitter.com/dSvzRxj0TN

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 31, 2024

South Carolina took a 10-7 lead early in the third quarter, although the Illini responded with a 14-7 run to secure the victory. The Gamecocks racked up 390 total yards, but they converted just one of three opportunities on fourth down and struggled defensively throughout the contest.

Tensions rose in the fourth quarter as South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer was involved in a verbal altercation between both sidelines.

Tempers flared between South Carolina and Illinois. pic.twitter.com/AR1SUWLttJ

— ESPN (@espn) December 31, 2024

Beamer previously criticized the CFP selection system after the Gamecocks missed the playoff, mentioning Alabama as well.

"Your schedule has to matter and there's teams in the top 12 right now, not only haven't beaten a ranked team but they haven't played a ranked team if I'm not mistaken," Beamer said on Dec. 7, via 247Sports' Brad Crawford. "Your schedule has to matter. I saw that Alabama team up close."

"With Alabama and the schedule they've played, it's hard for me to say they're not one of the 12 best teams," he added. "It's like I feel the same way about us."

After the Crimson Tide and Gamecocks fell in their respective bowl matchups, fans called out both teams.

South Carolina and Bama losing when they thought they deserved to be in over Indiana and SMU? pic.twitter.com/4XGl5Ukavk

— Walk-On Redshirts (@walkonredshirts) December 31, 2024

Playoff-worthy performance there by South Carolina

— Brian Pedersen (@realBJP) December 31, 2024

“… but South Carolina shoulda been in the playoffs for sure …” pic.twitter.com/bmS05h9UkN

— jacki (@jacki_d) December 31, 2024

Oh look another SEC team that “should’ve been in the playoff” loses to a middle of the road Big 10 team 🥴🥴

— Eric Panick (@EricPanick20) December 31, 2024

Well after the SEC, Lane Kiffin & ESPN spent the past few weeks demanding 3 loss SEC teams get into the college football playoff, Alabama & South Carolina lost to Michigan & Illinois as big favorites & the SEC is 1-4 vs the Big 10

But hey, still undefeated in hypothetical games

— Ian Miller (@ianmSC) December 31, 2024

SEC fans: Alabama and South Carolina should’ve been in the playoff!

Alabama and South Carolina: pic.twitter.com/jHHgp8Afz1

— Ben Ross (@BenRossTweets) December 31, 2024

The Big Ten is now 4-1 vs. the SEC this postseason.

— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) December 31, 2024

Hahahahaha. Another SEC team bites the dust. Many are saying they let too many of these bums into the cfb playoff.

— Tony Adragna (@CoachAdragna) December 31, 2024

Man, that SEC playoff snub narrative is in shambles right now.

— Kyle Lucas (@KLucas26) December 31, 2024

Bad day for the SEC

Guess the playoff committee did get it right 🤣

— Aaron Murray (@aaronmurray11) December 31, 2024

South Carolina and Alabama finished No. 11 and No. 15 in the final CFP rankings, respectively. Many believed that both schools were worthy of playoff spots, but the belief may have taken a hit after they couldn't defeat their Big Ten opponents on Tuesday.

South Carolina found its next quarterback.

Ohio State transfer Air Noland committed to the Gamecocks on Monday, per Hayes Fawcett of On 3. While Noland didn't see meaningful playing time on the Buckeyes, he was a 4-star prospect and the No. 4 overall quarterback in the recruiting class of 2024, per 247Sports' composite rankings.

Noland isn't the only quarterback leaving Ohio State via the transfer portal, as backup Devin Brown also said he is heading elsewhere. However, Brown will remain with the Buckeyes through the College Football Playoff, while Noland has turned his attention to his next stop.

The Scarlet and Gray may need to turn to the portal for depth at the position heading into the 2025 campaign, as Will Howard will also be gone next season. That leaves Julian Sayin as the presumed starter, but the team could use some additional depth for insurance.

As for South Carolina, Noland is someone who could be the quarterback of the future if LaNorris Sellers leaves for the 2026 NFL draft down the line.

Noland was buried on Ohio State's depth chart, but he brings potential as a pocket passer. Fisher Brewer of Sports Illustrated noted he threw for 55 touchdowns in his junior season of high school, which is second in Georgia history.

His presence helps eliminate any questions about depth behind Sellers for the upcoming season and gives the Gamecocks a long-term option with a high ceiling.

"Noland, who was an Elite 11 finalist and finished second in the prestigious quarterback competition, is known for his elite accuracy and poised decision-making," Brewer wrote. "While he has the ability to move in the pocket, his game is more aligned with a pro-style quarterback. Uniquely, he is a rare left-handed passer, which adds another layer of intrigue to his game."

Don't be surprised if Noland is the No. 1 option for South Carolina for the 2026 season.

HEIGHT: 6'4"

WEIGHT: 297

HAND: 10¼”

ARM: 33⅛”

WINGSPAN: 80⅞”

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40-YARD DASH: 4.99

3-CONE: 7.7

SHUTTLE: 4.67

VERTICAL: 31.5"

BROAD: 9'4"

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POSITIVES

— Solid get-off/acceleration off the line of scrimmage.

— Violent and strong at the point of attack against the run.

— Appears to have long arms to help get extension and has the upper body strength to shed blocks.

— Has shown decent hand-swipe and rip moves as a pass-rusher, and has a good bull rush when he keeps his feet moving.

— Works the hands well when rushing the passer.

— Played several different alignments in college from a 4i-technique defensive end to nose tackle.

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NEGATIVES

— Has sub-par pad level out of his stance, leading to issues against double teams/combos and down blocks.

— Lacks lateral movement skills or agility, susceptible to getting reached.

— Tends to stop his feet on contact, hurting the consistency of his bull rush.

— Not very agile and quick to execute line games or stunts as the looper.

— Conditioning could use some work, he will get gassed toward the end of games or long drives.

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NOTES

— Both July 30, 2003

— 3-star recruit in the 2021 class, per 247Sports

— No major injuries

— 2023: Third-Team All-SEC

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OVERALL

T.J. Sanders is an impressive run defender with plenty of pop in his hands to win at the point of attack. That helps him gain control of blocks and occasionally stand-up interior offensive linemen at the line of scrimmage. He also appears to have long arms to help get extension and escape blocks.

Sanders has also shown a strong rip move to help get penetration when slanting or be an effective pass-rush move. However, his pad level could use work and he takes on blocks with a narrow base, causing him issues when anchoring against double teams and down blocks. Additionally, his lack of lateral movement skills can be an issue against outside-zone runs.

As a pass-rusher, the Gamecock can succeed with the rip move mentioned above and has shown a solid hand-swipe move and bull rush. Also, he's solid at working the hands and getting his hands up to bat passes at the line of scrimmage.

Overall, Sanders can be a solid 3-technique in even fronts or lineup as a 4i-technique in odd fronts. He'd probably be best in more of a rotational role as he struggles to make an impact for all four quarters.

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GRADE: 7.1 (High-Level Backup/Potential Starter — 3rd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 96

POSITION RANK: DL9

PRO COMPARISON: Levi Onwuzurike

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.

South Carolina's 34-30 win over Missouri came down to a wild last few minutes on Saturday night.

The Gamecocks led by 15 points at the half, but a second-half surge from the visiting Tigers meant the decision came down to a last-minute touchdown catch by Raheim "Rocket" Sanders.

South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers found Sanders in the end zone with 15 seconds left in order to seal the win.

TURN SANDSTORM ALL THE WAY UP 🔊

ROCKET SANDERS GAME-WINNING TOUCHDOWN FOR @GAMECOCKFB 🚀 pic.twitter.com/p1qFFoBIRb

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) November 17, 2024

The catch completed a clutch South Carolina drive that saw the Gamecocks take just 45 seconds to go 70 yards.

It also marked Sanders' 11th touchdown of the season, marking a new college career high for the senior wide receiver.

That Rocket Sanders TD has to set the all-time noise record at Williams Brice.

— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) November 17, 2024

ROCKET SANDERS MORE LIKE TANK SANDERS MY LAWD

— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) November 17, 2024

ROCKET SANDERS BATTERING RAM
SOUTH CAROLINA WILL WIN IT

— Big Game Bengal (@BengalYouTube) November 17, 2024

What a freakin’ play. Rocket Sanders wouldn’t be denied!!

— Mike Uva (@Mike_Uva) November 17, 2024

The last minute comeback by Colorado was necessary because of a clutch touchdown catch from Luther Burden III.

On a 4th and five with just over one minute left in the fourth quarter, Burden hauled in a 37-yard pass from Brady Cook with one hand to pull Missouri ahead by three points.

LUTHER BURDEN III ON 4TH AND 5 😱😳@MizzouFootball TAKES THE LEAD WITH 1:10 TO GO! pic.twitter.com/HzGC9P23Qt

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) November 17, 2024

The Mizzou defense was unable to hold onto Burden's lead, but the clutch reception still made fans take note of the wideout ahead of the 2025 NFL draft.

LUTHER BURDEN III…best WR in college football!!!#MIZ

— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) November 17, 2024

Luther Burden III is something special to watch

— Todd Fuhrman (@ToddFuhrman) November 17, 2024

What sucks the most is that an absolutely iconic Brady Cook - Luther Burden moment won't be as remembered as much as it should. #Mizzou

— Jared Koller (@JaredKollerKC) November 17, 2024

It hasn't been the season Luther Burden wanted, but he's made some legitimately insane clutch catches this season at massive moments in games. I imagine the NFL sees that.

— Ben Frederickson (@Ben_Fred) November 17, 2024

Missouri got the ball back with 15 seconds left, but Cook was picked off to end the game.

The Tigers had scored 16 straight points in the second half to threaten the Gamecocks' lead, before Burden's one-handed touchdown catch gave Mizzou its first lead since the first quarter.

The comeback may have fallen short, but it made the Saturday night SEC battle an entertaining one.

Last few minutes of Missouri/South Carolina have been insane. College Football is the best man

— Unbiased Ev (@DoubleVodkaDon) November 17, 2024

Missouri and South Carolina are contractually obligated to play ridiculously dumb and awesome games every weekend.

— Barrett Sallee 🇺🇸 (@BarrettSallee) November 17, 2024

This Missouri-South Carolina game is what happens when you get two cardiac teams playing each other.

Where no defense can hold a lead, but both offenses are incredibly unreliable and terrifying

— FalchionWielder (@FalcionWielder) November 17, 2024

No. 23 South Carolina has now capped off SEC play with a win that improved the team's overall record to 7-3. No. 24 Missouri meanwhile falls to 7-3.

The Tigers are left in danger of falling out of the AP Top 25 altogether, while the Gamecocks could climb into the top 20 as the playoff approaches.

South Carolina's losing streak to Missouri is over.

First win over Tigers since 2018.

The #Gamecocks have won four straight, all against SEC competition and should crack the top 20 in this week's College Football Playoff rankings.

— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) November 17, 2024

South Carolina gets its first win over Missouri in six seasons and wins a fourth-straight SEC game for the first time since 2012.

The Gamecocks are 7-3 overall and finish their SEC slate with a 5-3 record. Wofford next, Clemson last.

It's cooking in Columbia...

— Julia Westerman (@JuliaWesterman) November 17, 2024

Mizzou takes on Mississippi State on the road next Saturday, while South Carolina takes on non-major Wofford at home the same day.

Texas A&M's hopes of a trip to the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff are in danger after a Saturday night upset by South Carolina.

South Carolina won 44-20 over the visiting Aggies to deal No. 10 Texas A&M their first loss to an SEC opponent.

57-YARD TOUCHDOWN FOR SOUTH CAROLINA TO GO UP 17 POINTS AGAINST NO. 10 TEXAS A&M 😱 pic.twitter.com/Fpp0cslzpB

— ESPN (@espn) November 3, 2024

South Carolina beating Texas A&M is not a surprise. This team has been knocking on the door all season.

South Carolina beating Texas A&M by 24? Yeah, I didn’t see that coming

— Matt Dowell (@MattDowellTV) November 3, 2024

The loss ended Texas A&M's undefeated 5-0 streak against conference opponents. There are now no remaining SEC teams yet to suffer a loss to a conference opponent this season.

Georgia, Texas, LSU, Texas A&M and Tennessee all with 1 conference loss in the SEC. These final 4 weeks are going to make for a insane finish

— Dalton Mott (@dmott225) November 3, 2024

Huge damages to playoff chances today. Iowa State, Penn State, Texas A&M, Pittsburgh, Clemson.

— Kenneth (@TexasSports1015) November 3, 2024

The Texas A&M defense struggled to limit South Carolina as the Gamecocks finished the game with 530 total yards, including 288 on the ground.

I legit would love to know the actual amount of missed tackles tonight

— Tickle Me Elko (@JiveMikeElko) November 3, 2024

If A&M tackles like they are tonight Texas shouldn’t worry about November 30

— Larry Van Loh (@LarryVanLoh1) November 3, 2024

The loss led to fan criticism of Texas A&M head coach Mike Elko just one week after he received praise for his team's performance against conference rival LSU.

TO THE MOON 🚀 pic.twitter.com/FFHHSQl9Yy

— Gamecock Football (@GamecockFB) November 3, 2024

Not sure why Mike Elko thought it was a great idea to risk giving South Carolina the ball in FG range down one score midway through the third quarter, but the Gamecocks appreciated it.

— Heath Cline (@heathradio) November 3, 2024

Mike Elko has gone for it on fourth down twice inside his 35 and A&M didn't get it either time. South Carolina turned those stops into 10 points. The Gamecocks lead the Aggies 30-20, 6:50 3Q.
See a pattern here?

— Scott Rabalais (@RabalaisAdv) November 3, 2024

Just one more punt Mike Elko. Just one more punt will get A&M back in this game

— Nick Fink (@finkn23) November 3, 2024

Why does Mike Elko keep going for fourth and one on his own side of the field?

— PowerMizzou (@PowerMizzoucom) November 3, 2024

South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer had a different end to his Saturday night as he was swarmed by fans storming the field after the win.

The victory marked the Gamecocks' first ranked win under Beamer since the program's upsets of Tennessee and Clemson at the end of the 2022 season.

Shane Beamer's doing an interview in this crowd ...

Who can find him 😭 pic.twitter.com/i0ee48TGST

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 3, 2024

I don’t think ~that~ many people are surprised South Carolina showed up, but I still think this is one of the more underrated teams nationally.

A couple plays away from beating Alabama and LSU and now a signature win over A&M.

Shane Beamer has himself a squad in Columbia.

— Ben Portnoy (@bportnoy15) November 3, 2024

Can confirm South Carolina's fans have rushed the field. Goal posts are coming down.

Shane Beamer has his first win over a top 10 team since 2022 and the failures against ranked teams is over.

— Brad Crawford (@BCrawford247) November 3, 2024

Texas A&M quarterback Marcel Reed went 18-of-28 for 206 yards, one touchdown and an interception in the loss. After his passing touchdown at the end of the second quarter, the Aggies failed to reach the end zone for the rest of the game. Amari Daniels recorded 13 carries for 83 yards and a touchdown.

South Carolina signal caller LaNorris Sellers meanwhile went 13-of-27 for 244 yards, two touchdowns and no interception to lead the Gamecocks to victory. Joshua Simon hauled down four catches for 132 yards and two touchdowns, while Tonka Hemingway, Dylan Stewart and T.J. Sanders recorded sacks.

The biggest matchup of Texas A&M's season is yet to come. The Aggies are slated to face the rival Texas Longhorns in the Nov. 30 season finale.

This is gonna come down to UT/UGA winner and Texas/A&M winner isn’t it?

— Nick Meals (@nickmeals) November 3, 2024

A&M is still gonna be 9-2 heading into Texas, they have a good chance going 10-2, don’t write them off yet

— Just a ND fan (@xmannnn7) November 3, 2024

Still tied for 1st in the SEC, gotta win out now. Honestly feels like Georgia is on borrowed time with how bad Beck has looked, going to come down to A&M, Texas, Tennessee and LSU

— Thomas Payne (@TPayne04) November 3, 2024

The first CFP rankings of the season come out on Tuesday. The Aggies will hope to win out over New Mexico State, Auburn and No. 6 Texas in order to continue their at-large bid.

New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler chimed in Saturday regarding a one-sided college football game between his two alma maters.

Rattler took to X in order to show his support for South Carolina amid the Gamecocks taking a 21-0 first quarter lead over Oklahoma:

🫣🫣 #GoCocks

— Spencer Rattler (@SpencerRattler) October 19, 2024

After spending his first three collegiate seasons with the Sooners, Rattler transferred to South Carolina and played his final two campaigns with the Gamecocks.

South Carolina scored a pair of defensive touchdowns en route to taking a 21-0 lead over Oklahoma in an SEC road game.

The Sooners took it on the chin in a 34-3 Red River Rivalry loss to Texas last week, and while there was hope for a bounce back this week against the 3-3 Gamecocks, Oklahoma came out of the gates flat.

When Rattler arrived at Oklahoma in 2019, he was a 5-star recruit and the No. 9 overall prospect and No. 1 quarterback in the nation, per 247Sports.

After throwing form 3,031 yards, 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions as a redshirt freshman in 2020, Rattler was widely expected to become a Heisman Trophy contender, but he lost his starting job to Caleb Williams in the middle of the following season.

Williams went on to enjoy his greatest success at USC, winning a Heisman Trophy and earning the distinction of being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, while Rattler revived his college career at South Carolina.

His first season in Columbia saw him throw for 3,026 yards, 18 touchdowns and 12 picks, but he was much better as a senior, throwing for 3,186 yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions.

That performance allowed Rattler to play his way into the NFL draft conversation, and ended up being a fifth-round pick by New Orleans.

With Saints veteran quarterback Derek Carr currently out of action with an oblique injury, Rattler has started each of the past two weeks.

Rattler went 22-of-40 for 243 yards with one touchdown and two picks in a 51-27 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6, and he followed that up by going 25-of-35 for 172 yards with no touchdowns or picks in a 33-10 loss to the Denver Broncos on Thursday night.

His next chance to start, provided Carr is not ready to return, will come on Oct. 27 when the Saints go on the road to face the Los Angeles Chargers.

HEIGHT: 6'3"

WEIGHT: 227

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POSITIVES

— Rare size and movement combination for safety position. Looks closer to a modern day linebacker than safety.

— Run-first defender who plays strong in the box. Triggers very quickly downhill, filling running lanes.

— Very strong tackler who fronts up ballcarriers when he can, giving up minimal extra yardage at the point of attack.

— Quick feet in coverage with good transitions. Shows the ability to play as a two-high safety. Above average range and ball skills.

— Due to his physicality and size, he does well covering tight ends combined with the athletic ability in space to cover running backs.

---

NEGATIVES

— Narrowed vision at times. He doesn't always see the full play and can be slow to react.

— Lacks true range to be a centerfield safety.

— Rigid and choppy backpedal that looks more like a shuffle slide. Struggles to swivel his hips, opening like a swinging gate.

— Can panic at times when working downfield leading to him getting handsy and tug to maintain position.

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2024 STATISTICS

— 12 Games 83 Tackles, 3 TFL, 4 INT, 6 PBU, 2 TD

---

NOTES

— Born Feb. 7, 2004

— Games Started: 35

— 3-Star recruit in the 2022 class, per 247Sports

— 2022 SEC All-Freshman Team

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OVERALL

Nick Emmanwori is a physically imposing safety prospect with a rare blend of size and movement skills for the position. At 6'3" and 227 pounds, Emmanwori plays like a modern hybrid linebacker-safety, excelling in run support and physical matchups. His size, physicality, and athletic ability make him an intriguing prospect for teams looking for a versatile defender.

Emmanwori shows good quickness and transitions for his size, allowing him to function as a two-high safety, though he lacks the range to cover the entire field in deeper zones. His size and physicality make him particularly effective against tight ends and running backs, where his athletic ability in space is evident. However, his backpedal is rigid and lacks fluidity, often leading to issues with swiveling his hips and maintaining positioning against more agile receivers. When defending downfield, Emmanwori can panic and become handsy, leading to potential penalties in the NFL.

Emmanwori's strength is in run defense, where he triggers quickly downhill and maintains good leverage while tracking ball-carriers. His ability to sort through traffic and consistently fill running lanes makes him a standout box defender. He is also a powerful tackler who regularly limits yards after contact by meeting ball-carriers head-on. Despite his strengths, Emmanwori's narrowed vision can lead to missed plays, and he sometimes struggles to adjust his angles on the edge, allowing ball-carriers to escape contain.

Nick Emmanwori projects as an early-round pick with the potential to become a highly versatile defender, particularly in run-heavy defensive schemes or as a hybrid safety-linebacker. His size and physicality make him a perfect fit for matchups against tight ends and in-the-box play, though he will need to develop better coverage skills and range to maximize his potential at the next level.

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GRADE: 7.9 (Potential Impact Player — 2nd Round)

OVERALL RANK: 28

POSITION RANK: S3

PRO COMPARISON: Divine Deablo

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Cory Giddings

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.