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South Carolina Football: DJ Wonnum Picked by Vikings in the NFL Draft

By Jacob Elsey

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Kellen Mond #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies loses the ball as D.J. Wonnum #8 of the South Carolina Gamecocks gets his hand on it during their game at Kyle Field on November 16, 2019 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 16: Kellen Mond #11 of the Texas A&M Aggies loses the ball as D.J. Wonnum #8 of the South Carolina Gamecocks gets his hand on it during their game at Kyle Field on November 16, 2019 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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ATHENS, GA – OCTOBER 12: Jake Fromm #11 of the Georgia Bulldogs is tackled by D.J. Wonnum #8 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during a game between University of South Carolina Gamecocks and University of Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images). /

DJ Wonnum became the third Gamecock selected in the 2020 NFL Draft when Minnesota chose the edge rusher with the 117th overall pick.  He follows teammates Javon Kinlaw (49ers) and Bryan Edwards (Raiders).  The fourth-round selection joins a Vikings defense that finished fifth in the league in points allowed last season.

Wonnum was a four-year starter along Carolina’s front seven, totaling 137 tackles and 14 sacks over his career.  He ranks among the program’s top ten leaders in tackles for loss, with 29.5.  As a senior, Wonnum finished third on the team in sacks, behind Aaron Sterling and first-round selection Javon Kinlaw.  The Georgia native was a member of Will Muschamp’s first recruiting class at South Carolina.  Originally committed to Indiana, Wonnum changed that commitment and decided to come to Columbia.  His brother, Dylan, is also a member of the Gamecock football team.

The Vikings finished 10-6 last season, making a trip to the NFC Divisional round of the playoffs.  Minnesota is known for having tough defenses, and Wonnum should fit right in with Mike Zimmer’s crew.  He will likely fall behind Pro Bowlers Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter on the depth chart, but should have an opportunity to make an impact in a reserve role.

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