South Carolina football: Nick Emmanwori commits to Gamecocks

South Carolina football has landed another Summer commitment.

Shane Beamer is scalding hot on the recruiting trail, having seen five different players commit to his program over the last week. He added a sixth addition to the ’22 cycle on Thursday by signing in-state defender Nick Emmanwori.

Emmanwori, a three-star safety from Irmo, announced his pledge to the Gamecocks yesterday, becoming the 13th overall commitment in South Carolina’s 21st-ranked recruiting class.

Emmanwori racked up 100 tackles and a couple of picks in nine games last season. At 6-foot-4, he could play safety, or grow into a linebacker should he add some weight at the next level. With the defense going back to a 4-2-5 scheme under new coordinator Clayton White, Emmanwori could be the perfect fit for a hybrid LB/DB role similar to what we saw Devonte Holloman play in Columbia under Ellis Johnson.

The Gamecocks were the local product’s first major offer, and they remain his only from the SEC. Other programs to extend scholarship opportunities include UNC Charlotte, Georgia Southern, and Richmond.

South Carolina needs all the help it can get on defense, and it’s evident in the latest recruiting cycle. Of the Gamecocks’ 13-player class, seven play on the defensive side of the ball. That number doesn’t include recent transfers Karon Prunty and Tyrese Ross, who will be immediately eligible to play in the South Carolina secondary this upcoming season.

Emmanwori continues what’s been a busy Summer in Columbia, but he likely won’t be the last player to commit to the program this holiday weekend. Coach Beamer has sent out a number of #WelcomeHome tweets this week, and a few have yet to be revealed. Expect to see even more action on the trail in the coming days.