Nick Emmanwori has become one of South Carolina’s most talked-about names on the field. With his towering presence and undeniable instincts, the Gamecocks’ safety is making noise and not just with bone-rattling tackles.
From his breakout freshman season to earning national attention as a defensive force, his rise has been fast and furious. Coaches, scouts and fans alike have taken notice of his rare mix of athleticism and awareness.
Behind the stats and highlight reels lies a story of discipline, drive, and quiet confidence. As South Carolina gears up for another fierce campaign, he stands at the heart of it all—ready to elevate his game even further.
How old is Nick Emmanwori?
Nick Emmanwori was born on February 7, 2004, in Irmo, South Carolina. That makes him 21 years old as of 2025. Despite his young age, he has already built a reputation as one of the most reliable safeties in college football.
Nick Emmanwori (Source: @BrendenDeeg_)
His rapid ascent began at Irmo High School, where he excelled as a two-way player. But it was his defensive play and football IQ that earned him a scholarship at the University of South Carolina and set the stage for his breakout freshman campaign.
How tall is Nick Emmanwori?
Nick Emmanwori is 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters) tall—an imposing presence in the secondary. His height gives him a significant edge in coverage, especially when matched against taller receivers and tight ends.
Scouts have often noted that his frame allows him to cover ground quickly while also offering versatility in coverage schemes. Whether patrolling deep zones or stepping into the box, his size is a key asset.
What is Nick Emmanwori’s weight?
Weighing in at 220 pounds (99.8 kg), Emmanwori is built like a hybrid linebacker. That mass doesn’t slow him down—he combines strength with agility, making him a nightmare for ball carriers and quarterbacks alike.
Nick Emmanwori #DB40 of South Carolina participates in a drill during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2025. (Source: Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
His physicality is one of the reasons he was used in a variety of roles across the Gamecocks’ defense. From deep safety to slot coverage and even blitz packages, his build makes him durable and dependable.
Who is Nick Emmanwori’s coach?
Nick Emmanwori has been coached by Shane Beamer, the head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks since 2020. Under Beamer’s leadership, he quickly became a defensive cornerstone, starting as a true freshman.
Beamer, son of legendary coach Frank Beamer, has emphasized development and versatility on defense. Emmanwori has thrived in that environment, with his growth reflecting the faith Beamer placed in him early on.
Nick Emmanwori’s career highlights
- 2022 – Immediate impact as a true freshman: Emmanwori didn’t wait his turn—he started nine games in his first year and led the Gamecocks with 85 total tackles. His football IQ and range turned heads, earning him Freshman All-American honors from multiple outlets.
- 2023 – Establishing himself as a defensive anchor: With a full year of experience under his belt, he became even more reliable in coverage and run support. He recorded 78 tackles, several pass breakups, and played nearly every snap in key SEC matchups.
- 2024 – Named First-Team All-SEC: His junior season solidified his status as one of the top safeties in the country. Emmanwori finished the year with 81 tackles, 2 interceptions, and a growing reputation as a hard-hitting, smart safety with NFL potential.
- Versatility across defensive schemes: Throughout his college career, he showcased the ability to play deep coverage, box safety, and slot defender—a versatility highly valued by pro scouts. He became known for his ability to read offenses and close in quickly on ball carriers.
- NFL Draft prospect with elite athletic profile: Although surprisingly not picked in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Emmanwori remains a top safety prospect, thanks to his rare size-speed combo and a perfect 10.00 Relative Athletic Score (RAS).
